Notre Dame (2007) Board Game

Notre Dame is a board game designed by Stefan Feld and released in in 2007. It is set in Renaissance-era Paris, where players take on the roles of influential citizens vying for power and influence in the city. The game is published by alea and is known for its strategic gameplay and engaging mechanics.

Game Components of Notre Dame

5 game board sections

3 Notre Dame tiles

45 action cards

15 person cards

70 influence cubes

5 rat tokens.

How To Setup Notre Dame

To set up the game, players start by placing the five game board sections together, forming the city quarter. Each player chooses a board section and places their player board. The Notre Dame tiles are placed in the center, and each player receives a set of influence cubes and person cards. The action cards are shuffled and distributed according to the player count. The rat tokens are also placed on the board as per the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card play: Players use action cards to perform various actions.

Area control: Players place influence cubes to control different areas of the board.

Worker placement: Players use person cards to activate different actions.

Game Objective

The objective is to collect the most prestige points by the end of nine rounds.

The game is divided into three phases per round, each allowing players to take different actions to improve their influence and prestige.

Player Experience

In Notre Dame, players engage in a strategic game where they balance managing their influence across the city quarter, dealing with the threat of rats, and optimizing their card play. The game requires careful planning and resource management, as players aim to accumulate prestige points through various actions such as constructing buildings, placing influence, and using person cards effectively.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a rich strategic experience with multiple paths to victory.

Thematic Integration: The game theme is well-integrated with the mechanics, making it immersive.

Replayability: The use of different action cards and person cards ensures high replayability.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game has a moderate to high learning curve due to its complex mechanics.

Length: Games can take around 60-90 minutes, which might be lengthy for some players.

Theme: While the theme is engaging for many, it might not appeal to everyone.

Personal Thoughts on Notre Dame

Notre Dame is an excellent choice for fans of strategic and thematic board games. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy complex game mechanics and are looking for a game that challenges them. However, it may not be the best fit for new players or those seeking a quick, light-hearted gaming experience. For experienced gamers, Notre Dame offers a rewarding and engaging experience that tests their strategic skills and planning abilities.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.