Friese’s Landlord (2013) Board Game

Friese’s Landlord is a city-building card game designed by Friedemann Friese and published by 2F-Spiele in in 2013. Known for its humor and light-hearted gameplay, the game has received mixed reviews from players and critics alike.

Game Components of Friese’s Landlord

120 full-colored cards featuring various tenants and action cards

Brand-new coins

Fully updated rules sheet

Buildings and roofs for construction

Monster cards created by the scientist tenant

How To Setup Friese’s Landlord

To set up the game, players start by constructing their buildings and preparing the tenant and action card decks. Each player begins with a set amount of money and the basic components to build their real estate empire. The rules sheet provides a detailed guide on how to lay out the game components and start the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Play: Players use tenant and action cards to manage their buildings and disrupt their opponents.

Building Construction: Players build and cap their buildings with roofs to house tenants.

Economic Management: Players manage their finances to acquire more cards and build more structures.

Interaction: Action cards allow players to move tenants, blow up buildings, and defend against negative effects.

Game Objective

The goal is to have the most money at the end of the game, which is achieved by maximizing tenant income and minimizing losses through strategic card play.

Player Experience

In Friese’s Landlord, players engage in a dynamic and often brutal competition to become the most successful landlord. The game features a wide range of tenants, each with unique preferences and requirements, such as the family who gives high income but reports illegal activities, or the scientist who creates monsters that occupy buildings. Action cards add a layer of strategy and mischief, allowing players to sabotage their opponents or protect themselves from harm.

Pros

Unique Theme: The game explores the theme of being a ruthless landlord, which is uncommon in board games.

High Replayability: The variety of tenants and action cards ensures that each game is different.

Social Interaction: Players can significantly impact each other’s game through action cards, fostering a high level of interaction.

Strategic Depth: Managing tenants, buildings, and finances requires strategic thinking.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: The game can be heavily influenced by the cards drawn, which may lead to unbalanced gameplay.

Complexity: With many different types of tenants and action cards, the game can be overwhelming for new players.

Negative Cards: Some action cards can be devastating and may lead to frustration for players on the receiving end.

Personal Thoughts on Friese’s Landlord

Friese’s Landlord is ideal for players who enjoy competitive games with a mix of strategy and social interaction. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate unique themes and are not afraid of a bit of chaos and unpredictability. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more relaxed or cooperative gaming experience. With its blend of economic management, card play, and strategic sabotage, Friese’s Landlord offers a engaging and challenging experience for gamers looking to test their skills as ruthless landlords.

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