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Gutenberg (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Gutenberg is a board game that was released in 2021 by the publisher Granna. Designed by Katarzyna Cioch and Wojciech Wiśniewski, the game is set in the world of printing and publishing during the Renaissance period. Players take on the roles of printing houses competing against each other to produce the most prestigious books.

Game Components of Gutenberg

  • Type-blocks
  • Ink tokens
  • Patron cards
  • Specialty tracks
  • Order/contract cards
  • Gears (for setting up free actions)
  • Initiative boards and cubes
  • Wooden block tokens (for typefaces)
  • Historical figure player boards with unique powers
  • Automaton deck (for solo play)

    How To Setup Gutenberg

    To set up *Gutenberg*, each player chooses a historical figure, each granting a unique power during the game. Players receive 3 typeface wooden block tokens and an initiative board. The game board is populated with order cards, ink tokens, and other resources. Each player places their cubes on the initiative board to plan their actions for the round. The game consists of 6 rounds, each divided into 5 phases.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Drafting/Auctions:** Players bid on resources using cubes on their initiative boards.
  • Resource Management:** Managing type-blocks, inks, and gears.
  • Action Programming:** Planning actions using the initiative board.
  • Specialty Tracks:** Upgrading levels in various printing specialties.

    Game Objective:

  • The objective is to fulfill printing orders to earn fame points, with the player having the most fame points at the end of the game declared the winner.

    Player Experience

    Players take turns planning and executing actions, trying to guess what their opponents will prioritize. The game is divided into phases such as Plan and Execute Actions, where players allocate cubes to different actions and then take those actions in order. Each round involves fulfilling orders, gathering resources, and managing specialty tracks. The game is approachable for both core and casual players, but it lacks a “wow” moment, making it a solid but not exceptional experience.

    Pros

  • Strong Production Values:** High-quality components and well-written rules.
  • Approachable Gameplay:** Easy to learn and play for a wide range of players.
  • Solo Mode:** A decent solo mode that uses an automaton to simulate additional players.
  • Historical Theme:** An interesting theme centered around the dawn of the printing press.

    Cons

  • Reshuffling Issues:** Frequent reshuffling of thin decks, particularly the automaton deck.
  • Lack of Excitement:** The game doesn’t offer a memorable or exciting experience.
  • Cleanup:** Significant cleanup required after each round.

    Personal Thoughts on Gutenberg

    *Gutenberg* is for players who enjoy strategic planning, resource management, and a touch of historical flair. It’s a good fit for those looking for a game with strong production values and clear rules, but it may not be the best choice for those seeking high excitement or complex gameplay. The game is suitable for both core and casual players, and its solo mode adds versatility. However, the frequent reshuffling and lack of a “wow” moment might deter some players.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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