Cones of Dunshire Board Game Review
The Cones of Dunshire originated as a fictional board game on NBC’s Parks and Recreation before Mayfair Games brought it to life as a charity item at GenCon 2014. This civilization-building fantasy game accommodates 8-12 players and carries a complexity rating of 4.55 out of 5. The game gained a cult following among fans who appreciate its absurdist origins and elaborate fictional ruleset. This review explores what makes Cones of Dunshire such a unique entry in the board gaming world.
The Cones of Dunshire Overview
Players compete to accumulate cones in this civilization-building strategy game. Four cones secures victory, but earning them requires constructing entire civilizations through careful use of Spirit Cards. The game assigns each participant one of several distinct roles, creating asymmetric gameplay that differs from standard competitive formats.
Each role carries unique responsibilities and abilities. Two wizards wield magical influence over the game state. A maverick operates outside traditional constraints. The Arbiter serves as a quasi-judicial figure. Two warriors engage in direct competition. A corporal manages tactical elements. The ledgerman keeps score while wearing a designated hat but does not actively participate in standard gameplay.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Designer | Based on Ben Wyatt’s creation (Parks and Recreation) |
| Publisher | Mayfair Games |
| Year Released | 2014 (GenCon charity event) |
| Players | 8-12 Players |
| Age Range | Not specified by publisher |
| Playing Time | Not specified by publisher |
| Game Type | Civilization, Fantasy, TV/Film Theme |
| Complexity Rating | 4.55 / 5 |
What’s in The Cones of Dunshire Box
The GenCon 2014 charity version took a deliberately unconventional approach to components. Mayfair Games packaged the game as a collector’s item rather than a fully playable product. The box contained a commemorative t-shirt and nothing else, honoring the game’s fictional origins while supporting charitable causes.
This makes Cones of Dunshire one of the most unusual board game releases in hobby gaming history. The absence of physical game components reflects its status as a television prop turned cultural phenomenon. Fans who purchased the charity version received a piece of Parks and Recreation memorabilia rather than a traditional board game experience.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Game Box | Collector’s edition packaging |
| T-Shirt | Commemorative souvenir shirt |
| Game Materials | Not included in charity release |
The Cones of Dunshire Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unique pop culture significance and collector value
- Supports charitable causes through purchase
- Elaborate fictional lore appeals to Parks and Recreation fans
- High player count accommodates large groups
- Asymmetric roles create varied experiences
Cons
- Official release contains no playable components
- Rules remain incomplete and largely fictional
- Extremely limited availability
- Requires significant time investment due to complexity
- Language-dependent with extensive text requirements
How to Play The Cones of Dunshire
The Cones of Dunshire operates on a civilization-building foundation with layers of strategic complexity. Players work toward accumulating four cones, which requires successfully building civilizations throughout the game. Spirit Cards form the backbone of this construction process.
Setup Phase
Each player selects or receives their assigned role. The game requires at least eight participants to fill the various positions. The ledgerman dons their identifying hat and prepares to track scores. Other players arrange their starting resources and Spirit Cards according to their role specifications.
Core Gameplay
Players use Spirit Cards to advance their civilizations toward cone acquisition. The game features what its creator calls Challenge Play, which essentially runs the standard game mechanics in reverse. This creates a dynamic where traditional strategies may prove counterproductive during certain phases.
Win Condition
Victory belongs to the first player who accumulates four cones. Civilization building through Spirit Cards remains the primary path to cone acquisition. The interplay between different roles affects how quickly players can achieve this goal.
Where to Buy The Cones of Dunshire
Finding a copy of The Cones of Dunshire presents significant challenges due to its limited charity release. The game occasionally appears on secondary markets, though availability remains extremely restricted.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| BoardGameGeek Marketplace | Rare listings from collectors |
| eBay | Occasional secondhand copies |
| Retail Stores | Not available |
| Publisher Direct | No longer in production |
The Cones of Dunshire Game Mechanics
The game’s mechanical framework draws from civilization-building traditions while adding distinctive elements. Spirit Cards function as the primary resource for constructing civilizations. Players must balance immediate tactical decisions against long-term strategic planning.
Asymmetric roles create fundamentally different experiences for each participant. Wizards exercise different abilities than warriors. The maverick operates under unique constraints. The Arbiter holds special authority over certain game elements. This role diversity prevents any single optimal strategy from dominating play.
Challenge Play introduces the most distinctive mechanical element. Standard game logic inverts during these phases, rewarding players who can adapt their thinking accordingly. This mechanic adds unpredictability that keeps experienced players engaged across multiple sessions.
Who Should Play The Cones of Dunshire
Parks and Recreation fans will find the most value in Cones of Dunshire as a collector’s item. The game’s cultural significance outweighs its practical playability for most enthusiasts. Dedicated hobbyists who enjoy creating house rules could develop playable interpretations from the existing lore.
Large gaming groups seeking unique experiences might appreciate the high player count requirement. Finding eight to twelve willing participants remains the first hurdle. The complexity rating suggests this suits experienced gamers rather than casual players.
Collectors of unusual board gaming artifacts should consider tracking down a copy. The game’s unique status as a fictional property made real gives it lasting appeal beyond its playability. Those seeking straightforward gameplay should explore other cooperative board games or competitive alternatives with complete rulesets.
FAQ
Is The Cones of Dunshire a real playable board game?
The Cones of Dunshire exists as a charity collectible rather than a fully playable game. Mayfair Games released it at GenCon 2014 containing only a t-shirt. The game originated as a fictional creation on Parks and Recreation. Dedicated fans have created unofficial rulesets to make it playable.
How many players does The Cones of Dunshire require?
The game accommodates 8-12 players according to BoardGameGeek listings. This large player count reflects the multiple unique roles required, including wizards, warriors, a maverick, an Arbiter, a corporal, and the non-playing ledgerman who tracks scores.
What is the complexity rating for The Cones of Dunshire?
The Cones of Dunshire carries a complexity rating of 4.55 out of 5 on BoardGameGeek. This places it among the most complex games available. The rating reflects the intricate ruleset involving civilization building, Spirit Cards, and the Challenge Play mechanic.
Where can I find The Cones of Dunshire for sale?
The game appears occasionally on eBay and the BoardGameGeek marketplace. Original copies are rare collector’s items. No retail availability exists since Mayfair Games produced it only for the 2014 GenCon charity event. Expect premium pricing for any available copies.
What games are similar to The Cones of Dunshire?
Games with civilization-building mechanics and high complexity include Twilight Imperium, Through the Ages, and Terra Mystica. For large player counts with asymmetric roles, consider Cosmic Encounter or Captain Sonar. None replicate the exact Cones of Dunshire experience due to its unique fictional origins.
