Venezia (2001) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Venezia is a board game released in 2001, designed by Elena Obermüller and published by Queen Games. It is a card game that involves area majority/influence and simultaneous action selection mechanics. The game is set in the beautiful city of Venice, where players compete to control different districts and gain influence.

Game Components of Venezia

Game board featuring the canals and landmarks of Venice

Player boards

Gondolas and gondoliers

Assistant tokens

Resource cubes (ceramics, cloth, silver)

Mission cards

Influence cards

Building tiles

Intrigue tokens

Scoring trackers

How To Setup Venezia

To set up **Venezia**, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Shuffle the building tiles and place them face-up on their designated spots on the board. Each player receives their components, including two gondolas, ten assistants, and a player board. Create a deck of Mission cards based on the number of players and deal three to each player, who then choose two to keep and return one to the bottom of the deck. Shuffle the Influence cards and place them face-down in the play area. Finally, set the scoring and council trackers to their starting positions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their assistants in various buildings to gain resources and activate abilities.

Pick-up and Deliver: Collect resources and deliver them to complete mission cards.

Resource Management: Manage resources to fulfill missions and navigate the canals.

Intrigue Mechanic: Avoid raising suspicion by managing intrigue levels, as high intrigue can lead to arrest by the Inquisition.

Game Objective: Complete missions, build influence, and avoid being the most suspicious player to win the game.

Player Experience

In **Venezia**, players navigate the intricate canals of Venice, managing their gondolas and assistants to collect resources and complete missions. The game is marked by a delicate balance between economic success and political intrigue, as players must avoid drawing the attention of the Inquisition. The solo mode features a challenging opponent, the Doge, who uses various tactics to hinder the player’s progress.

Pros

Deep Theme: The game’s theme is well-integrated into the gameplay, offering a immersive experience.

Strategic Depth: Players must make careful decisions about resource management and assistant placement.

Solo Mode: A well-designed solo mode that mimics the multiplayer experience.

High Replayability: Variability in mission cards and building placements ensures different experiences each game.

Cons

Complex Setup: The game requires a detailed setup process, which can be time-consuming.

Intrigue Mechanic: The intrigue system can be punishing, leading to sudden losses if not managed correctly.

Component Handling: Managing gondolas and assistants can be fiddly, especially in crowded areas of the board.

Personal Thoughts on Venezia

**Venezia** is ideal for fans of medium-weight Euro games who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate a well-integrated theme and are willing to navigate complex gameplay mechanics. While it can be challenging, especially with the intrigue system, it offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy balancing multiple facets of gameplay. The solo mode adds an extra layer of challenge, making it a great option for solo players as well.

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