Craftsmen (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Craftsmen is a board game designed by Krzysztof Matusik and released in in 2013. The game is set in medieval times, where players take on the roles of craftsmen competing to become the most successful in their trade.

Game Components of Craftsmen

Player boards: Each player has a personal board for managing resources and buildings.

Money cards: Numbered from 1 to 3, these cards come in different colors and have varying values when combined.

Building cards: Representing different structures with specific costs and benefits.

Helper tokens: Used for worker placement in various locations on the board.

Cube markers: For tracking goods production and shipping.

Resource tokens: For lumber mills, goods, and other resources.

Privilege tokens: Special abilities granted to players who secure the gold circle.

How To Setup Craftsmen

To set up Craftsmen, players start by placing the main board in the middle of the playing area. Each player receives a personal board, a set of helper tokens, and initial resource cards. The building cards and money cards are shuffled and placed face down or face up according to the rules. Players also set up the lumber mill cards and the market area. The game is divided into three years, each year consisting of four seasons, with additional setup adjustments made at the start of each year.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:
– Auction/Bidding
– Card Drafting
– Hand Management
– Memory
– Set Collection
– Trading
– Worker Placement

Objective: The goal is to gain the most Appreciation Points (APs) by improving the economy of the city. Players achieve this by building production lines, buying buildings, earning money, producing materials, and shipping goods.

Player Experience

Craftsmen offers a complex and engaging experience, appealing to fans of economic and worker placement games. Players take on the roles of entrepreneurs aiming to enhance the city’s economy through strategic resource management and building construction. The game requires careful planning and execution, as players navigate the various locations on the board to optimize their resource collection and goods production.

Pros

Depth and Complexity: Offers a rich and layered gameplay experience with multiple mechanics.

Strategic Depth: Players must balance resource management, building construction, and goods production.

Replayability: The game’s complexity and random elements ensure high replayability.

Thematic Integration: The medieval setting and economic theme are well-integrated into the gameplay mechanics.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game has a steep learning curve due to its numerous mechanics and rules.

Color Blindness Issue: Money cards lack distinct backgrounds, which can be problematic for colorblind players.

Lengthy Gameplay: The game can take 2-3 hours to complete, which may deter some players.

Personal Thoughts on Craftsmen

Craftsmen is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex economic and worker placement games. It is not a beginner’s game due to its intricate rules and multiple mechanics. For those who appreciate deep strategy and are willing to invest time in learning the game, Craftsmen offers a highly rewarding and engaging experience. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, straightforward game.

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