Amalfi: Renaissance (2023) Board Game

Amalfi: Renaissance is a board game designed by Urabe Rocinante and released in in 2023. Set during the Renaissance period, players take on the role of merchants in the bustling town of Amalfi, Italy. The game focuses on economic strategy, contracts, and resource management, as players compete to become the most successful merchant in the region.

Game Components of Amalfi: Renaissance

Player boards: Each player has a double-layered board with holds representing different resources.

Ships: Wooden ships that serve as workers and resource markers.

Cards: Historical names and locations, artwork, and other resources.

Lighthouses: Provide bonuses during the game.

Bread tokens: Part of the currency and used for feeding ships.

How To Setup Amalfi: Renaissance

To set up the game, each player receives a player board and four starting ships. The boards are arranged with holds for various resources, and bread tokens are placed on the board. Cards and locations are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Lighthouses and other bonus items are set aside according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Ships act as traditional workers to block spaces and gain actions or resources.

Resource Management: Ships represent and store resources, which are temporarily accessible when recalled.

Exploration: Discover private locations for docking ships.

Construction: Build more ships.

Acquisition: Procure bread and other resources.

Objective: Restore the greatness of Amalfi by establishing trade routes, acquiring treasures, artworks, and titles, and fulfilling city council goals.

Player Experience

Playing **Amalfi: Renaissance** can be confusing at first due to the multi-use ships, but after a few rounds, the mechanics become clear. The game is rich in combos and puzzles, making it engaging as players constantly seek ways to utilize their resources effectively. The game is particularly enjoyable with three players, as it allows for more strategic thinking during other players’ turns.

Pros

Gorgeous Production: Beautiful wooden ships, double-layered boards, and vibrant artwork.

Deep Strategy: Plenty of combos and puzzles to solve.

Resource Management: Innovative use of ships as both workers and resource markers.

Thematic Integration: Historical names and artwork add to the theme.

Cons

Initial Complexity: Multi-use ships can be confusing for new players.

Learning Curve: Requires a few plays to fully understand the mechanics.

Scalability: Best with three players; may not be as engaging with fewer players.

Personal Thoughts on Amalfi: Renaissance

**Amalfi: Renaissance** is ideal for fans of euro games and those who enjoy complex resource management and strategic planning. It is not for beginners due to its intricate mechanics, but experienced players will find it highly rewarding. The game’s beautiful production values and historical theme add a unique touch, making it a standout in the board game community.

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.