Architectura (2018) Board Game

Architectura is a card game designed by Pavel Atamanchuk and published by Hobby World in in 2018. The game is set in a medieval city where players compete to build the most prestigious buildings and gain influence in the city.

Game Components of Architectura

72 building cards

8 protection tokens

4 basic decks in different colors, each containing 12 cards

4 sets of 6 additional cards (in different colors)

8 block cards

1 Rulebook.

How To Setup Architectura

To set up the game, each player takes a deck of 12 basic cards and 2 protection tokens of their color. The decks are shuffled, and each player draws 3 cards. Eight block cards are placed in a row in the center of the table to form the city grid, with as many rows (streets) as there are players. Each row consists of 8 spaces for the buildings. The last player to visit a building site takes the first turn, and turns are passed clockwise.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Tableau Manipulation: Players build a city grid by placing cards in rows and columns.

Card Rotation: Values on the cards can change by rotating them.

Special Effects: Cards have various effects like destroying, rotating, or swapping other cards.

Variable Player Powers: Advanced cards offer unique abilities for each player.

Game Objective:

The goal is to have the most valuable buildings at the end of the game.

Values of cards are compared and adjusted based on their neighbors.
– If a new card is twice the value of its neighbor, the neighbor is destroyed.
– If the new card is higher but not double, the neighbor’s value is lowered.
– If the new card is of lower value, its value increases.
– Special effects on cards are resolved after value adjustments.

Player Experience

**Architectura** offers a unique blend of strategy and interaction. Players must carefully manage their card placements to maximize their own scores while devaluing their opponents’ cards. The game is easy to learn but has depth due to the complex interactions between cards. The addition of advanced cards allows for diverse strategies, enhancing replayability. While it may not feel like a traditional city-building game, the puzzle-like gameplay and competitive elements make it engaging and fun.

Pros

Highly interactive and competitive gameplay

Easy to learn with deep strategic possibilities

High replayability due to variable setups and advanced cards

Attractive artwork and accessible rules

Short game duration makes it a great ‘lunchtime’ game.

Cons

Can become chaotic with 4 players

Physical space required for the cards can be a constraint

Not a traditional city-building experience, which might disappoint some players.

Personal Thoughts on Architectura

**Architectura** is perfect for those who enjoy tableau manipulation puzzles and competitive card games. It’s an excellent choice for families or groups looking for a fast, interactive game that requires strategic thinking. The game’s short duration and high replayability make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for fans of euro games and city-building themes.

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