Citadels (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Citadels is a card game that was originally released in 2000 by Bruno Faidutti. It has since been re-released in 2016 by Windrider Games, with updated artwork and components. The game is set in a medieval city where players take on the roles of different characters, each with their own special abilities and goals. The game has gained popularity for its strategic gameplay and bluffing mechanics.

Game Components of Citadels

27 Character Tokens: Each with unique abilities and powers.

District Cards: 30 unique districts, including noble, religious, trade, military, and unique types.

Gold Coins: Used as the primary resource for building districts.

Character Tokens and Markers: Including the Tax Collector, Blackmailer, and others.

Crown Mini: Indicates the current First Player.

Rulebook: Includes setup instructions and detailed gameplay rules.

How To Setup Citadels

To set up Citadels, players start by deciding which eight characters will be used, gathering their cards and tokens, and placing the tokens in ascending order on the table. The district cards are assembled and shuffled, with each player receiving four district cards and two gold coins. The eldest player begins as the First Player, marked by the crown mini. The character cards are shuffled, and zero to two cards are placed face-up on the table, with one card face-down, to be chosen by players during the Selection Phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Selection Phase: Players choose character cards in a specific order, determining the order of play for the turn.

Turn Phase: Players use their chosen character’s special power, gather resources (either two gold coins or two district cards), and may build one district if they can afford it.

Game Objective: The game ends when a player has built their seventh district (or eighth in some player counts). The player with the most victory points, earned from built districts and various bonuses, is crowned the Master Builder and wins the game.

Scoring: Points are awarded for built districts, set collection (having one of each district type), and bonuses for being the first to complete their city.

Player Experience

Citadels is a game that thrives on interaction and social deduction. Players must strategically choose characters that will help them build their city while also disrupting their opponents’ plans. The game is highly tactical, requiring players to adapt to the evolving situation each turn. Characters like the Thief, Assassin, and Magician introduce a “take that” element, adding a layer of bluffing and confrontation to the game.

Pros

High Replayability: With 27 characters and 30 unique districts, the game offers a wide range of combinations and play styles.

Streamlined Mechanics: The 2016 edition has fine-tuned the mechanics, making the game more efficient and enjoyable.

Improved Components: Higher quality components, updated art, and additional characters enhance the overall gaming experience.

Customization: Players can choose from pre-constructed character line-ups or create their own for varied play experiences.

Cons

Analysis Paralysis: The drafting phase can be lengthy, especially with more players, as players meticulously choose their characters.

Petty Interactions: The game’s social deduction and “take that” elements can lead to petty revenge mechanics, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Citadels

Citadels is ideal for players who enjoy strategic role-selection and city-building games with a strong social interaction component. It is particularly suited for those who like to balance short-term needs with long-term strategies and appreciate the tactical depth of character abilities. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer purely cooperative or strategic games without direct player interaction and conflict. For newcomers to the series, the 2016 Deluxe edition is highly recommended due to its comprehensive inclusion of original and new content, making it a master set for the game.

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