Vienna (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Vienna is a board game designed by Michael Menzel and released in in 2015. It is a strategic game set in post-Napoleonic Europe, where players take on the roles of influential citizens in Vienna, aiming to gain power and prestige in the city.

Game Components of Vienna

Game board featuring Vienna with 24 squares

Dice (five colors)

Red cards for special actions

White extra dice (representing whipped cream on Sachertorte)

Victory markers

Starting player card

Special squares (e.g., Stadtpark, Secession, Heldenplatz, University)

How To Setup Vienna

To set up the game, each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding dice. The fifth dice of each color are used for the victory points track. The player who was in Vienna most recently takes the starting player card, or alternatively, players can roll the dice to determine the starting player. The game board is placed in the middle, and players position their victory markers. The night side of the board can be used for a different aesthetic.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Dice Rolling: Players roll dice to determine their actions.
– Worker Placement: Players place their agents (represented by dice) on various squares around Vienna.

Game Objective:
– The objective is to collect points by visiting different locations in Vienna and performing specific actions. Players aim to accumulate the most points by strategically placing their agents and using special abilities and items (like red cards and extra dice).

Player Experience

Playing **Vienna** involves a mix of luck and strategy, as players navigate the board of Vienna, using dice rolls to determine their moves. The game is relatively simple, making it accessible to newer players, but it also offers enough depth for experienced players to enjoy. The inclusion of special squares and items adds a layer of complexity and excitement. However, some players might find the game’s theme and execution somewhat disconnected from the real Vienna, which could affect their overall enjoyment.

Pros

Accessible Gameplay: Easy to learn and play, even for younger players.

Strategic Depth: Offers enough strategy for experienced players to engage with.

Short Playing Time: Games are relatively quick, lasting 30-45 minutes.

Unique Theme: Set in 1950s Vienna, adding a historical and intriguing setting.

Cons

Theme Execution: Some players feel the game does not accurately capture the essence of Vienna.

Limited Variety: The game mechanics, while enjoyable, do not offer a wide range of options for different playstyles.

Design Issues: The board design has been criticized for lacking logical connections between squares and not depicting buildings, which can be confusing.

Personal Thoughts on Vienna

**Vienna** is a game suited for those who enjoy light to medium-weight strategy games with a unique theme. It is ideal for families or casual gaming groups looking for a quick and engaging experience. However, players seeking a deeply immersive or highly thematic experience might find **Vienna** lacking. For fans of dice rolling and worker placement mechanics, **Vienna** offers a fun and straightforward game that can be enjoyed in a relatively short amount of time.

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