Empires of the Middle Ages – Board Game Guys

Empires of the Middle Ages: A Historical Board Game

Game Components of Empires of the Middle Ages

Map: A two-piece map of Europe and Asia Minor.

Year Cards: 56 Year cards (with additional cards in later editions).

Event Cards: 56 Event cards in the original, and 107 additional Event cards in the second edition.

Counters: Six sets of 100 colored counters.

Rule Book: A comprehensive rules booklet.

Charts and Tables: Various charts and tables for gameplay.

Playing Cards: Includes Leader cards and other specialty cards like Missionary Fervor and Dynastic Inheritance.

How To Setup Empires of the Middle Ages

To set up the game, players first place the map of medieval Europe and Asia Minor on the table. Each player selects an empire and receives the corresponding counters and Leader cards. The Year cards and Event cards are shuffled and distributed according to the game rules. Players then determine their initial player order based on leader stature ratings and the number of areas controlled.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to create and grow an empire in terms of wealth, geography, and stability.

Rounds: Each Round represents five years of game time, with players drawing Year cards and undertaking various endeavors such as conquest, pillaging, fortification, ruling, and diplomacy.

Player Turn: Players draw an Event card, undertake at least one endeavor, collect Gold from their areas, and decide whether to continue with more endeavors or save Year cards for defensive needs.

Game Turn: Five Rounds constitute a Game Turn, representing 25 years of game time.

Scenarios: The game includes short scenarios and a grand campaign spanning from 770 to 1475.

Player Experience

**Empires of the Middle Ages** offers a deep and complex gaming experience, ideal for players who enjoy strategic planning and historical context. The game requires a significant amount of time and patience, as a full campaign can span several hours. Players must navigate the challenges of medieval politics, warfare, and economic management, making it a rich and immersive experience.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game provides a detailed and accurate portrayal of medieval Europe.

Complex Strategy: Offers a intricate system of gameplay that challenges players to balance various aspects of empire management.

High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and a large pool of Event cards ensure a unique experience each time the game is played.

Awards and Recognition: Won the Charles S. Roberts Award for “Best Pre-20th Century Game of 1980.”

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its detailed rules and numerous components.

Balance Issues: Some cards and events can be overly powerful or unfair, particularly the Leader Dies Heirless and Dynastic Inheritance cards.

Fiddly Mechanics: Certain aspects, such as the Leader cards and Event cards, can add unnecessary complexity and fiddliness.

Rulebook Quality: The second edition’s rulebook has been criticized for being a lazy revision, requiring frequent cross-referencing.

Personal Thoughts on Empires of the Middle Ages

**Empires of the Middle Ages** is a game for dedicated strategy enthusiasts and history buffs. It is not a casual game and requires a substantial investment of time and effort to fully appreciate. The game’s complexity and historical accuracy make it a standout in the genre, but it may not be the best fit for players looking for a quick or lightweight gaming experience. For those who enjoy grand strategy and are willing to delve into the intricacies of medieval politics and warfare, this game can be highly rewarding.

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