Thrones of Valeria (2022) Board Game
Thrones of Valeria is a card game set in the fantasy world of Valeria, where players take on the roles of noble houses competing for power and influence. Designed by Matt Jacobs and published by Daily Magic Games, Thrones of Valeria was released in 2022 to much anticipation from fans of card games and fantasy genres.
## Game Components of Thrones of Valeria
– 48 cards, each with a special action
– 5 colored House tiles (mahjong-style)
– Standings Board
– Custom draw bag for House tiles
– Coin tokens (silver coins)
– 3 Jester cards
– Summary cards for quick reference
– Cardboard trough-style insert for storage
## How To Setup Thrones of Valeria
To set up the game, assemble the board and place it in the center of the table. Draw House tiles from the bag to set the initial guild ranks on the Standings Board. Shuffle the cards and deal them to players based on the player count; for example, each player gets 13 cards in a 3-player game and 7 cards in a 6-player game. Each player also starts with 2 silver coins.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Trick-Taking Mechanics**: Players take turns playing cards, with each card having a special action.
– **Changing Suit Ranks**: The ranks of the different Houses (suits) change constantly based on the cards played.
– **Card Actions**: Each card forces an action, such as rearranging the House tiles or earning/deducting coins.
– **Team Play**: With 4 or 6 players, the game can be played in teams where players share a pile of coins.
– **Game Objective**: The goal is to be the player or team with the most coins after two rounds.
## Player Experience
Thrones of Valeria offers a dynamic and engaging experience, especially for those who enjoy trick-taking games with twists. The game requires strategic thinking as players must consider the impact of each card played, including the potential penalties of winning a trick. The ability to play in teams adds an extra layer of strategy, as players must coordinate without communicating what’s in their hand.
### Pros
– **Dynamic Gameplay**: The constantly changing suit ranks and card actions keep the game exciting and unpredictable.
– **Team Play Option**: Allows for cooperative gameplay, enhancing the social and strategic aspects.
– **Short Playtime**: Games last about 30-60 minutes, making it accessible for various play sessions.
– **High Replayability**: The game scores high on the “Let’s Play Again” meter due to its engaging mechanics.
### Cons
– **Learning Curve**: New players may need a few games to get used to the different actions and strategies.
– **Artwork**: Some players may not appreciate the artwork direction, which deviates from the standard Valeria series style.
## Personal Thoughts on Thrones of Valeria
Thrones of Valeria is ideal for fans of trick-taking games looking for something new and challenging. It is suitable for older kids and adults due to its added complexity. The game is perfect for those who enjoy strategic thinking and dynamic gameplay, and it shines particularly well in team play scenarios. Despite the unique artwork, the game’s mechanics and replay value make it a great addition to any board game collection.
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