Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North (2019) Board Game

Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North is a standalone card game set in the Imperial Settlers universe, created by Joanna Kijanka and Ignacy Trzewiczek. Released in 2019 by Portal Games, this game allows players to build their own empire, explore new lands, and interact with other players through strategic gameplay.

Game Components of Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North

6 unique, pre-constructed faction decks featuring Vikings, Scots, and Inuits

Clan cards

Resource tokens (wood, stone, food, gold)

Expedition board

Action tokens

Worker tokens

Field and Building cards

Island cards

Expedition ship tokens

How To Setup Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North

To set up the game, players choose one of the six pre-constructed decks, each representing a different faction or clan. The Expedition board is placed in the center, and each player receives their starting hand of cards and resources. The action wheel, composed of five action tiles, is randomly assembled. Players begin by drawing cards during the Lookout phase to determine which cards to keep, setting the stage for the Action phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Hand Management: Players manage their deck and hand to optimize resource gathering and card play.

Take That: Players can interfere with their opponents’ plans.

Variable Player Powers: Each faction has unique abilities and playstyles.

Worker Placement: Players use workers to gather resources and perform actions.

Game Objective

The objective is to reach 25 points by playing cards into your tableau, gathering resources, and conquering islands. Points are earned from cards played, leftover resources, and gold coins.

Player Experience

In **Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North**, players experience a tight resource economy, which requires strategic planning. The game introduces an Expedition board where players send ships to gather resources or conquer islands. This mechanic adds a new layer of strategy and resource management compared to the base game. The action wheel allows players to perform various actions such as exploring, populating, harvesting, constructing, and sailing.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a challenging and strategic experience due to the tight resource management.

Varied Playstyles: Six pre-constructed decks provide different gameplay styles.

Engaging Mechanics: The Expedition board and action wheel add new and exciting mechanics.

Quick Turns: Turns are generally snappy, keeping the game pace fast.

Cons

Resource Scarcity: Resources can be very tight, which may frustrate some players.

Limited Production: Unlike the base game, cards do not produce many resources.

Homogeneous Island Cards: Island cards can feel similar in value, reducing the excitement of the Expedition phase.

Personal Thoughts on Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North

**Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North** is ideal for fans of the Imperial Settlers series and those who enjoy strategic card games with tight resource management. It is particularly suited for players who prefer a more challenging and streamlined experience compared to the base game. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer a more relaxed resource gathering experience or those new to the series, as it introduces several new and complex mechanics.

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