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De Vulgari Eloquentia (2010) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information for De Vulgari Eloquentia:

De Vulgari Eloquentia is a board game released in 2010 that focuses on the Italian language and culture during the Middle Ages. The game is set in the 13th century and players take on the roles of influential people in different Italian cities, striving to become the most eloquent and respected figure in the land. With a mix of strategy and linguistic challenges, De Vulgari Eloquentia offers a unique gaming experience.

Game Components of De Vulgari Eloquentia:

  • Game board depicting various Italian cities
  • Player tokens representing influential figures
  • Language cards with words and phrases
  • Influence markers
  • Victory point tokens
  • Rulebook

How To Setup De Vulgari Eloquentia:

  • Place the game board in the center of the table.
  • Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding player token and influence markers.
  • Shuffle the language cards and place them face down.
  • Place the victory point tokens within reach of all players.
  • Determine the starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective:

In De Vulgari Eloquentia, players use action points to move their tokens around the board, collect language cards, and influence cities. By forming coherent sentences in Italian, players earn victory points and strive to become the most eloquent figure in the game. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Unique theme focusing on language and culture
  • Strategic gameplay with linguistic challenges
  • Beautiful artwork and components
  • Educational value for learning Italian words and phrases

Cons:

  • Long runtime of 120 minutes may be too lengthy for some players
  • Complexity may be overwhelming for beginners
  • Limited replay value once players become familiar with the language cards

Personal Thoughts on De Vulgari Eloquentia:

De Vulgari Eloquentia offers a refreshing and educational gaming experience with its focus on language and culture. The game’s components are well-crafted and the strategic gameplay keeps players engaged throughout. However, the long runtime and complexity may deter some players from fully enjoying the game. Overall, De Vulgari Eloquentia is worth a try for those interested in historical and linguistic themes, but may not be suitable for casual gamers or those seeking quick gameplay.

Game Components of De Vulgari Eloquentia

  • Board:** New and improved in the deluxe edition.
  • Player Screens:** Updated for better gameplay.
  • Metal Coins:** Included for financial transactions.
  • Shaped Wooden Meeples:** Custom-designed for player representation.
  • Manuscript Tiles:** For collecting important documents.
  • Expansion Packs:** Including Ritmo Bellunese and Placiti di Capua.
  • Player Aids:** Extremely useful for guiding players.
  • New Tiles and Game Cards:** Added for enhanced gameplay.

    How To Setup De Vulgari Eloquentia

    Setting up De Vulgari Eloquentia involves preparing the board, distributing player screens, and arranging the manuscript tiles and other components according to the number of players. The Vatican Library track and other elements are set up to ensure scalability for 2-5 players. The game also includes a revised rulebook with improved setup instructions to make the process smoother.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Turn Order:** Determined by the players’ knowledge, with the least knowledgeable player going first.
  • Game Phases:** Each turn is divided into Event, Charity, Turn Order, and Actions phases.
  • Event:** Planning based on available influence cubes and future events in Italian cities.
  • Charity:** Richer players paying Ducati to priests.
  • Turn Order:** Influenced by knowledge and the “Rest” action.
  • Actions:** Players perform up to five actions on the board, choosing from various options like visiting cities and collecting manuscripts.
  • Objective:** To gain the most Volgare Points by collecting manuscripts, improving social status, earning wealth, and gaining support from politicians, nobles, and other influential figures.

    Player Experience

    Playing De Vulgari Eloquentia is a strategic and immersive experience. Players navigate the complexities of medieval Italy, balancing the pursuit of knowledge, social status, and wealth. The game’s unique theme and mechanics, such as the use of influence cubes and the Vatican Library track, make it engaging and challenging. The addition of expansions like Ritmo Bellunese introduces direct player interaction, adding a new layer of strategy and social dynamics to the game.

    Pros

  • Unique Theme:** Set in a historically rich period, offering a fresh and educational experience.
  • Strategic Depth:** Multiple paths to victory, requiring careful planning and resource management.
  • Improved Components:** The deluxe edition includes new and enhanced components, such as metal coins and custom meeples.
  • Replay Value:** With various expansions and the ability to interact directly with other players, the game offers high replayability.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** The game has multiple mechanics and phases, which can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Length:** Games can last up to 2 hours, which may deter those looking for quicker experiences.
  • Rulebook:** Although improved, the rulebook still requires attention and time to fully understand the game’s intricacies.

    Personal Thoughts on De Vulgari Eloquentia

    De Vulgari Eloquentia is ideal for players looking for a game with deep strategy and a unique historical setting. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy games that require careful planning, resource management, and social interaction. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game enthusiasts due to its complexity, it is a gem for experienced players seeking a challenging and engaging experience.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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