Florenza (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Florenza is a board game that was released in in 2010. It is set in the Renaissance period and focuses on city-building and economic strategies. Designed by Valeria Gobbi, Ivan Zoni, and Daniele Zurla, the game challenges players to compete against each other to become the most influential family in the city of Florence.

Game Components of Florenza

Game board

Worker tokens

Artist and preacher cards

Resource tokens (marble, wood, gold)

Victory point tokens

Captain of the People and Bishop cards

Church influence track

Various player boards and tokens

How To Setup Florenza

To set up Florenza, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a player board and places their worker tokens on it. The resource tokens, artist and preacher cards, and victory point tokens are then distributed according to the game’s initial setup rules. The Captain of the People and Bishop cards are also placed within reach of all players. The game is divided into several phases, starting with the income phase, followed by the Captain of the People and Bishop phases, and then the worker placement phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Worker Placement: Players place their workers in different areas to trigger specific actions.

Resource Management: Players manage resources like marble, wood, and gold to complete artworks.

Area Influence: Players compete for influence in the church and among the people.

Turn Order: Determined by the Captain of the People and Bishop roles.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most victory points by completing artworks, hiring famous artists, and gaining influence in Florence. Players must balance their resource management, worker placement, and strategic use of special roles like the Captain of the People and the Bishop.

Player Experience

Florenza offers a rich and complex gaming experience, appealing to fans of heavy euro games. The game requires accurate planning and precise management of workers and resources. Each turn involves multiple phases, each with its own set of decisions and strategies. The game’s complexity can lead to a steep learning curve, but it also provides a deep and satisfying experience for those who enjoy strategic gameplay.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a complex and engaging gameplay experience.

High Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and varying player roles ensure different games each time.

Thematic Immersion: Players feel like they are part of 16th-century Florence, hiring artists and completing artworks.

Component Quality: Generally high-quality components, especially in the anniversary edition.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s complexity can be overwhelming for new players.

Long Playtime: Games can last up to 90 minutes or more.

Resource Management Overload: Managing multiple resources and workers can be burdensome.

Personal Thoughts on Florenza

Florenza is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex resource management and strategic planning. It is not a beginner’s game due to its intricate mechanics and long playtime. However, for those who appreciate the depth and challenge of heavy euro games, Florenza offers a rewarding experience that replicates the feel of managing and influencing a Renaissance city. If you’re a fan of games like Caylus and enjoy the thematic setting of 16th-century Florence, Florenza is definitely worth exploring.

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