Castles (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Castles is a tile placement board game that was released in in 2012. It is designed for 2 to 4 players and has a runtime of about 45 minutes. The game is set in a medieval theme, where players compete to build the most majestic castle.

Game Components of Castles

Main Game Board: Central board where players acquire and trade tiles.

Player Boards: Each player has a personal board to manage their estate.

Hex Tiles: Various types including towns, rivers, pastures, castles, mines, and technology tiles.

Dice: Two six-sided dice used for actions.

Silverlings: The game’s currency.

Trade Goods: Goods that can be sold for silverlings and victory points.

Workers: Tokens that can modify dice rolls.

Victory Point Tokens: Used to track players’ scores.

How To Setup Castles

To set up **Castles of Burgundy**, start by placing the main game board in the middle of the table. Each player selects a player board and places it within their reach. Players receive a starting castle, silverlings, and trade goods. The hex tiles are shuffled and placed on the central board according to the dice numbers. Each player also receives an overview board to help track the scores of their tiles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Players roll two dice to determine their actions.
– Use dice to take tiles from the central board or place tiles from storage onto the player board.
– Use dice to sell goods or generate workers.

Tile Placement: Place tiles on the player board to complete regions, which score victory points.
– Different tiles offer various benefits such as victory points, silverlings, or enhanced game abilities.

Region Completion: Complete regions of the same color to score points; larger regions score more points.

Endgame Scoring: Score points for completed regions, sold goods, and other tile-specific benefits.

Player Experience

Playing **Castles of Burgundy** is a deeply strategic and engaging experience. Players must optimize their dice rolls and tile placements to maximize their score. The game requires planning ahead, as the randomness of the dice rolls can disrupt even the best-laid plans. The interplay between the central board and personal player boards keeps the game dynamic and competitive.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a complex and engaging gameplay experience with numerous strategic options.

High Replayability: Multiple player boards and random tile placements ensure different games each time.

Varied Tile Benefits: Different tiles provide a range of benefits, making each game unique.

Engaging Gameplay: Players are constantly engaged in planning and executing their moves.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game has many rules and tile types, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Luck of the Dice: Random dice rolls can affect game outcomes significantly.

Lengthy Setup: Setting up the game can take some time due to the numerous components.

Personal Thoughts on Castles

**Castles of Burgundy** is ideal for dedicated gamers who enjoy complex strategy and planning. It is not a game for casual players due to its intricate mechanics and the need for careful planning. However, for those who enjoy deep strategy and the satisfaction of optimizing their moves, this game is a must-have. It offers a rich and rewarding experience that challenges players to think ahead and make the most of their resources.

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