Bomarzo (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bomarzo is a board game that was released in in 2015. It is designed by Marina Fischetti and features artwork by Giochix.it. The game is set in the Renaissance era and revolves around city building and mythology themes. Players take on the role of noble families competing to develop the town of Bomarzo and gain the favor of the mysterious Sacred Grove.

Game Components of Bomarzo

Player Boards: Each player has a small board to manage their resources and actions.

Worker Indicators: Five worker indicators per player for placing on the game board.

Action Pawns: Used to perform various actions during the game.

Resources: Food, coins, and wine, with wine being a special resource that can substitute for food and coins.

Divinity Cards: Eight cards representing the strange sculptures of the Bomarzo Sacred Grove, each requiring specific offerings.

Main Game Board: Features different scoring tracks and an image of the monster park.

Development Cards: Used to enhance player income and actions.

How To Setup Bomarzo

To set up Bomarzo, place the main game board in the middle of the table and lay out the divinity cards around it. Each player receives a player board, five worker indicators, an initial supply of action pawns, and resources. Development cards are placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to start once all components are distributed and the board is set up according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their worker indicators on the game board to harvest resources or pay tribute to divinity cards.

Auction Mechanic: Players must exceed previous offers to activate divinity card actions.

Mimic Actions: Players can copy opponents’ actions if not prevented.

Resource Management: Managing food, coins, and wine to perform actions and develop the fief.

Objective: To earn the esteem of your lord by developing your fief, obtaining the highest production, and linking your power to the most powerful divinity.

Player Experience

In Bomarzo, players delve into the mystery of the Bomarzo Sacred Grove, taking on the roles of feudal lords of the Orsini family. The game requires careful resource management and strategic decision-making to ingratiate the gods and develop their fief. The short duration of the game makes each player’s choices highly decisive, adding to the strategic depth.

Pros

Deep Strategy: The game offers deep strategic levels despite its relatively simple rules.

Historical-Mystery Atmosphere: The game immerses players in a historical and mysterious setting, ideal for those who enjoy such themes.

Resource Management: The game’s resource management mechanics add a layer of complexity and engagement.

Short Playtime: The 60-minute playtime makes it accessible for a variety of players.

Cons

Complexity for New Players: While the rules are simple, the game’s strategic depth can be overwhelming for new players.

High Dependence on Luck: The auction and mimic actions can introduce elements of luck that may affect strategy.

Limited Player Interaction: Some players might find the interaction between players limited compared to other games.

Personal Thoughts on Bomarzo

Bomarzo is ideal for fans of strategic Euro games and those who appreciate historical-mystery themes. It is suited for players who enjoy deep strategic gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning the intricacies of the game. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for high player interaction. The game’s unique blend of resource management, worker placement, and divine favor makes it a compelling addition to any board game collection.

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