Dale of Merchants (2015) Board Game

Dale of Merchants is a card game designed by Sami Laakso and published by Snowdale Design in in 2015. It is set in a world where various animal merchants compete to become the trading guild’s master. The game has received positive reviews for its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging strategy.

Game Components of Dale of Merchants

6 animalfolk decks, each with 15 cards (Scarlet Macaws, Giant Pandas, Northern Raccoons, Flying Squirrels, Ocelots, Veiled Chameleons)

20 junk cards

1 double-sided market game board

1 custom wooden die

1 detailed rulebook

How To Setup Dale of Merchants

To set up the game, each player selects one of the animalfolk decks and receives one card from the chosen deck, along with enough junk cards to bring their total to 10 cards. The market game board is placed in the middle, and if using character cards, each player is dealt two and chooses one to keep. The remaining character card is returned to the deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Deck-building: Players collect cards to build their merchant stall.

Hand management: Managing cards to maximize actions.

Market manipulation: Using cards to affect the market and other players.

Game Objective

The goal is to be the first player to complete their merchant stall, earning access to the legendary Guild of Extraordinary Traders.

Player Experience

Dale of Merchants offers a highly replayable experience due to the variety of animalfolk decks, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Players must make tough decisions about which actions to take and which cards to discard, adding a layer of strategy and depth to the game. The game also introduces team play mechanics in some expansions, allowing for cooperative gameplay.

Pros

High replay value due to the multiple animalfolk decks.

Deep strategic gameplay with multiple uses for each card.

Simple market mechanics that allow for quick card acquisition.

Team play options in expansions, adding variety to gameplay.

Colorful and charming theme with diverse animal characters.

Cons

Can be complex for new players due to the numerous deck interactions.

Some expansions, like the team play mechanics, can slow down the game.

Requires careful hand management, which can be overwhelming.

Personal Thoughts on Dale of Merchants

Dale of Merchants is ideal for fans of deck-building games who appreciate strategy and diversity in gameplay. It’s a great choice for those looking to learn deck-building mechanics in a fun and interactive way. The game’s charm and replayability make it a solid addition to any board game collection, particularly for players who enjoy games like Sushi Go Party or Dominion.

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