Splendor (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Splendor is a popular board game designed by Marc André and published by Space Cowboys in in 2014. It has quickly gained a wide following for its unique gameplay mechanics and strategic depth. The game is set during the Renaissance period, where players take on the role of merchants striving to build their gem empires.

Game Components of Splendor

A deck of development cards

Gem tokens in six different colors

Noble tiles

Gold tokens (used as wild cards)

High-quality cards with attractive artwork

Poker chip-style gem tokens.

How To Setup Splendor

To set up Splendor, deal out the development cards in a tiered structure, ensuring that higher-tier cards are more expensive and valuable. Each player starts with no cards or gems. A set of noble tiles, each requiring specific combinations of gems to attract, is placed at the top of the game area. The gem tokens are placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to begin once the cards and nobles are laid out and the gems are available for collection.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Card drafting

Engine building

Resource management

Strategic planning

Game Objective:

The objective is to be the first player to achieve 15 victory points.

Points are obtained by purchasing development cards and attracting nobles.

Players can take gems, reserve cards, or purchase cards using the gems they have collected.

Each development card provides a gem bonus or victory points, or both.

Nobles can be attracted by collecting specific combinations of gems, providing additional victory points.

Player Experience

Playing Splendor feels like navigating a tightly wound economic engine. The game begins slowly, with players collecting gems and purchasing lower-tier cards. As the game progresses, the engine builds up, allowing players to access more powerful and lucrative cards. The presence of nobles adds a layer of competition, as certain gem combinations become highly sought after. The game is known for its simplicity in rules yet depth in strategy, making it engaging and intense as players vie for the limited resources and cards.

Pros

Easy to learn but challenging to master

High-quality components, including attractive artwork and poker chip-style gems

Engaging and strategic gameplay

Suitable for both new and experienced players

Games are typically short, lasting around 30 minutes

Great family experience, as children as young as 9 can play competitively.

Cons

Limited replayability with the same group of players

Theme is somewhat generic and not deeply immersive

Can be frustrating when other players take the cards you need

Some luck involved in card draw, though largely mitigated by strategic choices[4’.

Personal Thoughts on Splendor

Splendor is an excellent introduction to the world of engine-building and card drafting. It is ideal for new players who want to understand these mechanics without being overwhelmed by complex rules. For experienced players, it offers a streamlined and strategic experience that remains engaging and competitive. While it may not have the depth to sustain long-term interest for some, it is a great addition to any board game collection due to its simplicity, strategic depth, and family-friendly nature.

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