King’s Road (2017) Board Game

King’s Road is a board game that was released in 2017 and designed by Vincent Dutrait. It falls under the fantasy category and features gameplay mechanics such as area majority/influence, King of the Hill, once-per-game abilities, and simultaneous action selection. The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 10 and up. Players will compete to gain influence and power in the kingdom by strategically placing their tokens on the board.

Game Components of King’s Road

Player tokens: Each player has a set of tokens in their chosen color.

King token: A white token representing the king.

Card set: 11 cards per player, including 3 special ability cards and 8 province cards.

Score track: To keep track of players’ points.

Board: Featuring various regions and roads.

How To Setup King’s Road

Setup is straightforward: place the board, set the King token on Zen Kai’s Deep, and give each player a set of tokens and cards. Each player places one token on the “0” on the score track. Ensure the card backs match the player’s color to prevent confusion.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Card Play: Players choose three cards from their hand and place them face-down, then reveal and resolve them.

Influence Placement: Most cards allow players to place influence tokens in the region the King occupies.

Special Abilities: Three special cards (Knight, Witch, Dragon) offer unique actions.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the number of influence tokens in the King’s current region. Only players with the most, second-most, or third-most tokens (depending on the number of players) score points.

Nobles: The player with the most influence in a region can convert one token to a Noble, scoring bonus points for connected regions.

Game End: The game ends when one player reaches 40 points, triggering a final round where all un-scored regions are scored.

Player Experience

In King’s Road, players must strategically place their influence tokens to maximize scoring opportunities. The game requires a balance between focusing on high-scoring regions and building connections between regions to score additional points through road bonuses. Players need to adapt quickly to their opponents’ moves and utilize special abilities effectively.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: The game offers a deep strategic layer with simple rules.

Replayability: Different card combinations and player strategies ensure varied gameplay.

Social Interaction: Players must respond to each other’s moves, creating a dynamic and interactive experience.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: Card draws can significantly impact gameplay, introducing an element of luck.

Complex Scoring: While the mechanics are simple, the scoring can become complex, especially with multiple players.

setUp Time: While setup is generally quick, understanding the rules and strategies may take some time for new players.

Personal Thoughts on King’s Road

King’s Road is ideal for fans of area-majority games and those who enjoy strategic planning with a touch of social interaction. It is suitable for players aged 10 and above and supports 2-5 players, making it a versatile addition to any game collection. The game’s 30-minute playtime ensures it remains engaging without being overly time-consuming. If you’re looking for a game that balances simplicity with strategic depth, King’s Road is an excellent choice.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.