Fresco (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Fresco is a board game that was first released in 2010 by Queen Games. It is a strategy game that takes place in the Renaissance period, where players take on the role of master painters working to restore a fresco in an Italian cathedral.

Game Components of Fresco

Game board featuring a 5×5 grid of fresco sections

25 fresco tiles

Paint cubes in various colors

Apprentice tokens

Player screens

Mood tokens

Bishop token

Coin tokens

Market stalls

Theatre space

Rulebook

How To Setup Fresco

To set up Fresco, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a player screen and places their five apprentice tokens behind it. The fresco tiles are shuffled and placed face down on the board, covering the entire grid. Each player receives a set amount of coins and paint cubes. The market stalls are arranged, and the bishop token is placed on a designated starting space on the board. Players then decide their wake-up times for their apprentices, which will determine the order of play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their apprentice tokens on various spaces on the board to perform tasks such as shopping, painting, mixing colors, and restoring the fresco.

Scheduling: Players choose their wake-up times, which affect the order of play and the cost of paints.

Resource Management: Managing paint cubes and coins is crucial for restoring the fresco sections.

Set Collection: Collecting specific combinations of paint cubes to restore fresco sections.

Area Control: Moving the bishop token to score extra points by having him observe your restored fresco sections.

The objective is to earn the most points by restoring sections of the fresco, managing resources efficiently, and strategically using the bishop to your advantage.

Player Experience

Fresco is a game that challenges players to balance numerous logistical aspects while maintaining a strategic edge. Each round, players must decide the wake-up times for their apprentices, which impacts the cost of paints and the overall mood of their team. The game is full of subtle complexities, such as mixing paints, managing market stalls, and ensuring the bishop is in the right position to score extra points. Players must hedge their bets and adapt to the dynamic environment, making it a game that requires careful planning and flexibility.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers complex gameplay with multiple layers of strategy.

High Replayability: Each game is different due to the random market stalls and the dynamic nature of the bishop’s movement.

Interactive: Players can influence each other’s strategies through the bishop and resource management.

Engaging Theme: The art restoration theme adds a unique and engaging twist to traditional euro games.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game has many interrelated mechanics, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Lengthy Setup: Setting up the game can take some time due to the numerous components and the need to shuffle and place fresco tiles.

Resource Intensive: Managing the various resources and maintaining a good mood among the apprentices can be challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Fresco

Fresco is an excellent choice for fans of European-style board games who enjoy complex strategies and resource management. It’s ideal for players who appreciate games that require careful planning and adaptability. While it may not be the best introduction for new board game players due to its steep learning curve, it serves as a great ambassador for euro games, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. For those who enjoy logistical puzzles and strategic depth, Fresco is definitely worth considering.

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