Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
In this review, I’m joined by Alexandre Fontaine Rousseau as we take an in-depth look at Prelude to Revolution, a 2-player card-driven game from Mike Willner, developed by Marco Poutré, published by Compass Games in 2023. Set in the chaotic years leading up to the Russian Revolutions of 1917, this game allows players to step into the roles of either the revolutionary forces or the government, as they navigate the complex political, social, and military crises of the time.
We dive deep into the game’s mechanics, exploring the multi-era system that covers The Years of Turmoil, The Great War, and The Collapse. We also compare it to its predecessor, Prelude to Rebellion, highlighting how it expands on the system with new elements like the multi-party Duma, key personalities, and the influence of the Tsar. Beyond the game itself, we also discuss Compass Games’ ability to deliver engaging historical titles despite some of the publisher’s shortcomings.
This review is perfect for anyone interested in the game’s historical accuracy, its unique mechanics, and its place in the broader context of political wargames.
Support the show on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/homoludens1871
In this review, I’m joined by Alexandre Fontaine Rousseau as we take an in-depth look at Prelude to Revolution, a 2-player card-driven game from Mike Willner, developed by Marco Poutré, published by Compass Games in 2023. Set in the chaotic years leading up to the Russian Revolutions of 1917, this game allows players to step into the roles of either the revolutionary forces or the government, as they navigate the complex political, social, and military crises of the time.
We dive deep into the game’s mechanics, exploring the multi-era system that covers The Years of Turmoil, The Great War, and The Collapse. We also compare it to its predecessor, Prelude to Rebellion, highlighting how it expands on the system with new elements like the multi-party Duma, key personalities, and the influence of the Tsar. Beyond the game itself, we also discuss Compass Games’ ability to deliver engaging historical titles despite some of the publisher’s shortcomings.
This review is perfect for anyone interested in the game’s historical accuracy, its unique mechanics, and its place in the broader context of political wargames.
Support the show on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/homoludens1871
