Middle Sea: Empires of the Feudal Age (1979) Board Game

Middle Sea: Empires of the Feudal Age is a strategic board game that was released in in 1979. Designed by Mike Gilbert and published by Fantasy Games Unlimited, this game is set in the medieval era where players take on the roles of powerful feudal lords vying for control of the lands surrounding the Middle Sea. With elements of economics, politics, warfare, and espionage, players must use their strategic skills to outmaneuver their opponents and build their empires.

Game Components of Middle Sea: Empires of the Feudal Age

Map: 2-piece 64.5 cm x 28 cm mounted map of the Mediterranean basin

Counters: 266 die-cut counters

Cards: 384 cards

Rule Booklet: 16-page rule booklet

How To Setup Middle Sea: Empires of the Feudal Age

Setting up the game involves unpacking and placing the map, distributing the counters and cards, and each player selecting their leader and initial provinces. The game is divided into a variable setup, ensuring each playthrough can be different.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Players aim to invade provinces to gain resources and leaders who can command more armies and navies.

Game Turn: Each turn represents a year, divided into four seasons. Spring, Summer, and Fall involve simultaneous movement of armies and navies based on written orders, while Winter is for “at home” activities like raising funds and building fortifications.

Combat: Combat can occur on land and sea, with the use of spies to gather information about opponents’ forces.

Player Experience

Playing **Middle Sea: Empires of the Feudal Age** is a complex and engaging experience, requiring strategic planning and diplomatic maneuvers. Players must balance military expansion with economic management and espionage. The game’s depth and complexity make it appealing to fans of historical and strategic games.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game does an excellent job of representing the medieval era.

Strategic Complexity: Offers a rich and challenging gameplay experience.

Multiplayer Capability: Supports up to 12 players, making it a great option for large groups.

Variable Setup: Ensures high replayability.

Cons

Component Quality: Some reviewers have criticized the quality of the components, such as the printing on leader counters and the lack of spare counters.

Storage Issues: No storage provided for the counters, which can be inconvenient.

Price: Historically, the game was considered pricey for its component quality.

Personal Thoughts on Middle Sea: Empires of the Feudal Age

This game is ideal for fans of medieval history and complex strategy games. It is particularly suited for groups of experienced gamers who enjoy deep, immersive gameplay. While it may not be the best choice for casual gamers due to its complexity and component issues, it remains a significant piece of board game history and a gem for those who appreciate detailed, strategic gameplay.

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