Carpe Diem (2018) Board Game

Carpe Diem, released in 2018, is a board game designed by Stefan Feld and published by alea. Set in ancient Rome, players take on the role of patricians trying to build the most prosperous city district. The game incorporates elements of area movement, contracts, end game bonuses, open drafting, and tile placement to create a strategic and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Carpe Diem

1 gameboard

220 tiles

150 cards

44 wooden pieces

Instructions

Player boards with randomly constructed frames

Scoring cards

Banderole tokens and discs

Resources (bread, coins, grapes, herbs, chickens, fish).

How To Setup Carpe Diem

To set up Carpe Diem, each player receives a personal city district board with randomly distributed frame pieces that indicate bonuses for specific buildings. The main game board is placed in the center, featuring a city building section for tile selection, a scoring section with laid-out scoring cards, and a banderole track to determine turn order and scoring. Players start with some points on the banderole track and place their meeple on a starting space. Each player also receives starting victory point cards and a pawn to navigate the tile depots.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Drafting: Players move their pawn around a circular display to select tiles, which can be enhanced by using bread tokens to move extra spaces.

Tile Placement: Tiles must be placed orthogonally next to existing tiles, ensuring matching edges.

Building Completion: Completing structures rewards players with resources, turn order adjustments, or other bonuses.

Scoring Phase: Players score points by placing discs at the intersection of two scoring cards, fulfilling the requirements of both cards to avoid penalties.

Variable Scoring: Scoring combinations are drafted at the end of each round, with each combination unique and non-reusable.

Resource Management: Players manage resources (bread, coins, etc.) to fulfill scoring requirements and gain advantages.

Player Experience

Carpe Diem offers a complex yet engaging experience, with players acting as Roman patricians building and improving their city districts. The game involves strategic tile placement, resource management, and careful planning to maximize scoring opportunities. While the game mechanics are straightforward, the variable scoring system and the need to adapt to changing tile availability add depth and replayability.

Pros

High Replay Value: Variable gameplay and unique scoring combinations ensure each game is different.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Engaging Mechanics: Blends tile-laying with dynamic scoring, keeping players engaged.

Easy to Learn: Simple setup and rules, despite the game’s complexity.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve for Scoring: Scoring cards can be confusing for new players.

Lack of Artistic Distinction: Tiles can be hard to distinguish due to similar artwork.

Limited Player Interaction: Interaction is more about resource competition rather than direct conflict.

Personal Thoughts on Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem is ideal for fans of eurogames and tile-laying mechanics, particularly those who enjoy the works of Stefan Feld. It rewards strategic thinking and planning, making it a great fit for veteran gamers. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking high levels of player interaction or a more thematic experience. The game’s complexity and variable scoring system make it a game that improves with multiple plays, offering a challenging and intellectually stimulating experience.

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