Don Carlo (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Don Carlo is a card game designed by Oliver Freudenreich and published by moses. Verlag GmbH in in 2020. The game is set in the Italian Renaissance period, where players take on the roles of powerful families vying for control of the city of Florence.

Game Components of Don Carlo

Game board featuring Absurdistan and its neighboring countries

Family tokens and influence markers

Agent cards

Point tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Don Carlo

To set up the game, each player chooses a family to represent and receives the corresponding tokens and influence markers. The game board is placed in the middle of the playing area, and the agent cards are shuffled and distributed. Each player starts with a set of agent cards and some influence markers. The objective is clearly explained in the rulebook, which outlines the initial placement of tokens and the starting conditions for each family.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Gain the maximum possible influence for your family in Absurdistan and the neighboring countries.

Mechanics: Area control, card play, and strategic placement of agents.
– Players send out agents to different regions to gain influence.
– Influence is measured by placing influence markers in the region.
– The family with the most influence in each region earns the most points.
– The game ends when all regions have been filled with influence markers, and the family with the most points wins the honorary title of Don Carlo.

Player Experience

**Don Carlo** offers a lively and competitive experience where players must strategically manage their agents to maximize their family’s influence. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it appealing to both casual and experienced gamers. The quick gameplay ensures that each session is engaging and fun, without the complexity that can lead to analysis paralysis.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages.

Quick Games: Games last about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick gaming session.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, there is plenty of room for strategic thinking.

Family Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Cons

Luck Factor: The draw of agent cards can introduce an element of luck.

Limited Player Interaction: Some players might find the interaction between players minimal.

Personal Thoughts on Don Carlo

**Don Carlo** is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a light-hearted yet strategic game. It’s a great introduction to area control mechanics and is versatile enough to be enjoyed by both children and adults. However, players seeking complex, deeply strategic games or those who prefer high levels of player interaction might find **Don Carlo** a bit too straightforward. Nonetheless, it’s a fun and engaging addition to any board game collection.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.