Florence (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Florence is a board game that takes players back to the Renaissance period in Italy, specifically focusing on the city of Florence. During this time, Florence was a hub of art, culture, and political intrigue, making it a fascinating setting for a board game. Players take on the roles of powerful families competing for influence and control over the city, using their resources and cunning to outmaneuver their rivals.

Game Components of Florence

1 Main Board

5 Player Boards

1 Noble Dial

9 Brag Tiles

52 Cards

58 Tokens

3 Carriage Miniatures

110 Wooden Meeples

30 Gift Miniatures

5 Score Trackers.

How To Setup Florence

To set up *Florence*, each player selects a player board and places it within reach. The main board is placed in the center, depicting the city of Florence with various locations where the Medici family members will move during the game. Each player receives a set of meeples and other starting resources. The brag tiles, cards, and tokens are shuffled and placed according to the game’s instructions. The noble dial is set to track the players’ progress and the Medici figures are placed on their starting locations on the main board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Euro-style area control game

Mechanics: Action Points, Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, End Game Bonuses, Point to Point Movement, Resource to Move, Solo / Solitaire Game, Variable Set-up, Worker Placement with Different Worker Types

Objective: Players aim to elevate their family’s status by navigating the city, attending parties, giving gifts, bragging about achievements, and gaining face-time with the Medici family members (Cosimo, Contessina, and Giovanni). The player who gains the most favor with the Medici by the end of the night wins the game.

Player Experience

In *Florence*, players dispatch their family members to various parties around the city, engaging in a soft war against rival families. The game is dynamic, with the areas players seek to control changing each round as the Medici move to different locations. Time management is crucial, as the streets become more crowded and actions become harder to execute as the Carnevale progresses. Players must balance actions such as attending parties, collecting gossip, and impressing the Medici with limited resources and time.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: Changing objectives and crowded streets keep the game engaging and challenging.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Solo Mode: Includes a solo mode designed by Dávid Turczi, adding replayability.

Thematic Immersion: The Carnevale setting and interactions with the Medici family create a rich and immersive theme.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the variety of actions and changing objectives.

Resource Management: Tight resource management can be stressful, especially as the game progresses.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can be somewhat time-consuming due to the numerous components and setup requirements.

Personal Thoughts on Florence

*Florence* is ideal for fans of Euro-style games who enjoy strategic depth and dynamic gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate area control and worker placement mechanics. The game’s solo mode makes it a great option for those who also enjoy playing alone. However, it may not be the best fit for new players or those who prefer simpler, more straightforward games. With its opulent setting and intricate gameplay, *Florence* offers a unique and engaging experience for seasoned board game enthusiasts.

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