Village (2011) – Board Game Guys

Village

Village is a historical-themed euro-style board game with a focus on resource management for 2-4 players, released in 2011. It is designed by Inka Brand and Markus Brand.

Why is Village Popular?

Village is a popular game due to its unique Gameplay Mechanics of Village and historical theme. It has won several awards and has been positively reviewed by many board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Village

Game Board: A large, foldable, and dual-layered board with various action spaces.

Player Boards: Upgraded and larger dual-layered player boards.

Chronicle Book: A foldable and dual-layered chronicle book.

Action Cubes: Coloured cubes used to activate different actions.

Family Members: Tokens representing different family members across four generations.

Resources: Tokens for grain, time, and other resources.

Expansions and Promos: The Big Box Edition includes all existing expansions and promos.

How To Setup Village

To set up Village, start by placing the main board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a family board and places their family members on it. The oldest player becomes the first player and draws a predetermined number of coloured influence cubes and plague cubes, which are then placed into a bag. These cubes are drawn randomly and used to seed the action spaces on the board. In games with fewer than four players, additional family members are used to fill unmarked graves to control the game length.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Mechanism: Players take coloured cubes to perform actions such as farming, market trading, crafting, and church activities.

Time Management: Players must manage time effectively, as actions consume time, and time is a limited resource.

Generational Management: Players manage four generations of their family, with older members eventually dying and younger ones taking their place.

Prestige Points: The game objective is to earn Prestige Points by achieving various milestones, such as selling goods, holding government positions, and having family members recorded in the Village Chronicle.

Solo Mode: The Big Box Edition includes a new solo mode with different combinations of expansions.

Player Experience

Playing Village is a complex yet engaging experience. The game requires strategic thinking and time management, as players balance various actions to maximize their Prestige Points. The unique mechanism of dealing with death as a natural part of the game adds a layer of strategy, as players must decide when to let older family members pass away to make room for younger ones. The game is not overly confrontational, with competition focused on the allocation of actions rather than direct conflict.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Village offers a rich and tactical gameplay experience.

Innovative Mechanics: The game’s mechanism of managing time and generations is innovative and engaging.

Multiple Paths to Victory: Players can adopt various strategies to earn Prestige Points.

Awards and Recognition: It has won several awards, including the 2012 Kennerspiel des Jahres.

Solo Mode: The Big Box Edition includes a new solo mode, expanding gameplay options.

Cons

Complex Setup: The game has a complex setup and rule explanation.

Colour Blindness Issues: The game components can be challenging for colour-blind players due to overlapping colour palettes.

Physical Accessibility: The game requires fine motor control and can be challenging for players with physical disabilities.

Theme: The theme of death and mortality might not appeal to everyone.

Personal Thoughts on Village

Village is a game for those who enjoy deep strategic gameplay and are not deterred by complex rules. It is ideal for players who appreciate managing multiple paths to victory and are comfortable with the theme of mortality. While it may not be the best fit for families with younger children or players seeking a light, casual experience, it is a rewarding game for experienced board game enthusiasts. The addition of a solo mode in the Big Box Edition makes it even more appealing for those who enjoy solo gameplay.

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