Évora (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Évora is a board game released in 2022, designed by Matteo Piana and illustrated by MEBO Games. The game is set in ancient times and incorporates various mechanisms such as Area Majority/Influence, End Game Bonuses, Hand Management, Open Drafting, and a Rondel. With a playing time of 30-60 minutes, Évora is suitable for 2-4 players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Évora

Worker pieces: Used to move around the rondel and activate actions.

Rondel: A circular mechanism for selecting actions.

Action tiles: Define the actions players can perform.

Temple pillars and slabs: For building and stacking to achieve area majority.

Cards: For hand management and additional actions.

Victory points (VP) tokens: To track players’ scores.

How To Setup Évora

To set up Évora, players start by placing the rondel in the center of the playing area. Action tiles are arranged around the rondel, and each player selects their worker pieces. The temple pillars and slabs are prepared for stacking. Players receive initial cards for hand management. The Centurion, a game piece that can block certain actions, is placed according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rondel Mechanic: Players move their workers around the rondel to select and perform actions such as building, improving columns, and managing resources.

Area Majority: Players aim to dominate the temple’s pillars by stacking slabs vertically and horizontally to secure majority in both planes.

Hand Management: Players use cards to enhance their actions and strategy.

Objective: The goal is to collect the most victory points by securing majority in the temple pillars and managing resources effectively.

Player Experience

Playing Évora involves a blend of strategic planning and tactical execution. The game is categorized as a medium-weight euro game, offering a solid gameplay experience with a notable level of depth. Players must navigate the rondel carefully, as opponents’ workers and the Centurion can block actions, adding a layer of complexity and interaction. The area majority mechanic in both vertical and horizontal planes requires thoughtful consideration and strategic placement of slabs.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The rondel and area majority mechanics provide a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Strategic Depth: The game offers a good balance of strategy and tactical decisions.

Historical Theme: The game is set in the 1st century AD, providing a unique historical context.

Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it accessible to new players.

Cons

Artwork: Some players may find the artwork not to their personal taste.

Complex Interactions: Grasping the intricacies of the game, especially the interactions between the rondel, cards, and area majority, can take some effort.

Personal Thoughts on Évora

Évora is ideal for fans of euro games who enjoy strategic planning and area majority mechanics. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games with a historical theme and those who are looking for a medium-weight game that offers depth without being overly complex. While it may not be the best fit for solo game enthusiasts or those seeking extremely unique mechanics, it is a solid addition to any board game collection for those who enjoy strategic gameplay and historical settings.

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