Firenze (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Firenze is a board game designed by Michael Menzel and Andreas Resch, and was released in in 2010. It is set in the Renaissance era in Florence, Italy, where players take on the role of master builders competing to build the most prestigious towers in the city.

Game Components of Firenze

Game board depicting Florence

Tower bricks (also serving as currency)

Building cards

Noble cards

Point tokens

Player boards

How To Setup Firenze

To set up Firenze, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the table. Each player receives a player board and a set of starting tower bricks. The building cards and noble cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The point tokens are also made available. Players then begin by drafting building cards to start constructing their towers.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players select building cards to acquire the necessary bricks and permissions to build their towers.

Tower Building: Using the bricks as both the building material and currency, players construct their towers, balancing height and stability.

Resource Management: Tower bricks serve a dual purpose as both building material and currency.

Push-Your-Luck: Players must gauge the optimal height for their towers before cashing them in for points, as building too high risks the tower being torn down.

Game Objective: The goal is to build towers that showcase the importance of your family, earning the most points by balancing tower height and stability.

Player Experience

Playing Firenze is an engaging and strategic experience. The game’s unique blend of resource management, card drafting, and push-your-luck mechanics keeps players on their toes. The stunning artwork by Michael Menzel adds to the game’s aesthetic appeal, making it a visually pleasing addition to any game table. Players must carefully manage their resources and make calculated risks to achieve the highest score.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: Combines multiple mechanics to create a dynamic and challenging experience.

Visual Appeal: The game features beautiful artwork, enhancing the overall experience.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and risk management.

Relaxed yet Competitive: Offers a relaxed atmosphere with a competitive edge.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The unique mechanics can be complex for new players.

Risk of Failure: Building too high can result in significant point losses.

Limited Player Count: Best suited for a specific number of players, which may limit its versatility.

Personal Thoughts on Firenze

Firenze is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a mix of resource management and risk-taking. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games with a historical theme and beautiful artwork. The game’s balance of relaxed gameplay and competitive elements makes it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for fans of tower-building and card drafting mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for beginners due to its complex rules and steep learning curve.

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.