Brides & Bribes (2017) Board Game

Brides & Bribes is a board game released in 2017 that takes place during the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Designed by Alan D’Amico and featuring artwork by Spaceballoon Games, this game combines elements of area majority, campaign/battle card-driven mechanics, deck-building, hand management, and tile placement.

Game Components of Brides & Bribes

Character tiles: Used for delegations and actions.

Coach tokens: Indicate player ownership of tiles.

Worker Meeples: Used for various tasks and buying workshops.

Influence tokens: Act as victory points.

Ducato coins: Used for transactions and payments.

Borough tiles: Represent different areas in Genoa.

Colony ships: Represent distant colonies with special actions.

Guide tiles: Determine the order of play in boroughs.

Workshop objects: Grant benefits and money.

Common character cards: Part of players’ hands for future rounds.

How To Setup Brides & Bribes

To set up the game, players start by placing the game board, which features the city of Genoa divided into five boroughs and a harbor with distant colonies. Each player selects a set of character tiles and places their player cylinder on the Doge’s favor track. The game includes a starting player marker, and each borough is populated with initial workers and influence tokens. Common character cards are placed face up in their respective boroughs, and the remaining components are organized for easy access during gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players send delegations to boroughs or distant colonies.

Area Majority / Influence: Players compete for influence in different boroughs.

Campaign / Battle Card Driven: Actions are driven by character tiles and common character cards.

Deck, Bag, and Pool Building: Players manage their hand of tiles and resources.

Hand Management: Players must strategically use their tiles.

Secret Unit Deployment: Players place tiles without revealing their full intentions.

Objective: The goal is to gain the most influence points by the end of six rounds or when a player reaches 25 influence points.

Player Experience

**Brides & Bribes** is a game of cunning, intrigue, and deception, where players navigate the complexities of Renaissance Genoa. Initially, the game can seem daunting due to its complex rules and numerous components. However, once players grasp the mechanics, it becomes a fun and strategic experience. Players must balance their actions carefully, managing resources, workers, and influence to outmaneuver their opponents. The game is particularly engaging in later rounds as players vigorously compete for victory points.

Pros

High Strategic Depth: Offers complex and engaging gameplay.

Thematic Immersion: Well-integrated Renaissance theme.

Multiple Pathways to Victory: Various actions and strategies available.

Beautiful Production Quality: The final production is expected to be visually stunning.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Can be confusing for new players.

Initial Rounds Feel Slow: Players need time to build up their resources and influence.

Complex Setup: Requires careful organization of components.

Personal Thoughts on Brides & Bribes

**Brides & Bribes** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who appreciate strategic depth and complex gameplay mechanics. It is best suited for players who enjoy games that require careful planning and resource management. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new gamers due to its complexity, it promises a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to understand its intricacies.

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