Art Decko (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Art Decko is a card game that was released in 2019 by designer Ta-Te Wu and published by Rio Grande Games. It is a game that combines elements of commodity speculation, deck building, bag building, and pool building, making it a unique and engaging experience for players. The game features beautiful artwork by Lauren Brown, Alex Eckman-Lawn, Brigette Indelicato, and Kwanchai Moriya, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the game.

Game Components of Art Decko

15 pieces of original, gallery-quality art in five different genres created by Lauren Brown, Alex Eckman-Lawn, Kwanchai Moriya, Heather Vaughn, and Alison Parks.

Unique starting decks with asymmetrical player powers.

Modular bonus tiles for varying end-game scoring.

Currency and market value trackers.

How To Setup Art Decko

To set up the game, each player receives a unique starting deck with distinct player powers. The artwork cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The bonus tiles are arranged to modify the end-game scoring. Players start with a set amount of currency, and the market values of the paintings are initialized.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck Building: Players accumulate artwork cards to build their collection.

Market Manipulation: Buying art, exhibiting at museums, and managing currency affect the market values of paintings and gold.

Asymmetrical Powers: Each player has unique starting deck abilities.

Modular Scoring: Bonus tiles change the end-game scoring criteria.

Objective: The goal is to create the most valuable collection of artwork by manipulating market values and strategically acquiring and exhibiting paintings.

Player Experience

Playing Art Decko involves making strategic decisions on every turn. Players must balance buying artwork at bargain prices, increasing the value of their collection by exhibiting paintings in museums, and adapting their strategies based on the changing market. The game requires a mix of short-term tactical moves and long-term strategic planning.

Pros

Unique Artwork: The game features 15 pieces of original, gallery-quality art.

High Replayability: Modular bonus tiles and asymmetrical player powers ensure different experiences each game.

Strategic Depth: Players need to adapt their strategies continuously.

Beautiful Components: The artwork and overall design are aesthetically pleasing.

Cons

Market Volatility: The game’s market mechanics can sometimes feel unpredictable.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and strategies complex initially.

Limited Player Interaction: Some players might find the interaction between players somewhat limited.

Personal Thoughts on Art Decko

Art Decko is ideal for those who enjoy deck-building games and are interested in strategic planning and market manipulation. It is particularly suited for fans of light to medium-weight strategy games who appreciate the thematic element of art collection. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking highly interactive or cooperative gameplay experiences.

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