Reigns

Reigns is a role-playing game about a dynasty of kings with elements of Choose-Your-Own-Adventure titles. The game is based on a series of cards drawn at random each representing a turn or one year in power. The goal is to survive as long as possible, unlock additional content for the next playthrough or reach one of the many different endings or experience specific deaths (memento mori). Generally each card offers two options and the player chooses by clicking or swiping left or right, which is the only gameplay mechanic for the entire game. After a choice the result is shown and actions usually affect four main meters: the church, the army, the people or the treasury.

The game is over right away when one of the meters is maxed out, as you then have lost the power as a king, or if one of them is completely empty. Often choices will benefit one party and put another at a disadvantage. There are many situations such as raising taxes, constructing buildings, getting married, killing or saving traitors, fighting a duel, dealing with invading armies and so on. Many times the outcome is unexpected or implications are only revealed later on. There are also different characters to meet such as a doctor, a witch, a dog, a seer, the devil ... Reaching such a character generally unlocks new cards for another playthrough. There are random events as well, which can also cause the king to die without regard of the four meters, for instance by contracting gangrene.

When the king dies the result is shown along a timeline and a successor takes over. Certain gameplay elements are unlocked after reaching a total amount of years. Many of these are also tied to specific goals, called royal deeds, set before starting a game. Once completed, new goals are presented. There are some permanent perks to unlock as well. The game keep tracks of the things that have been encountered and what is left.