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Guilds (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Guilds is a board game released in 2017, designed by Christian Giove and published by Giochi Uniti. The game falls under the categories of City Building, Fantasy, and Medieval, and it is suitable for players aged 10 and above. With a playtime of 60-90 minutes, Guilds can accommodate 2-4 players, with the best experience being with 4 players.

Game Components of Guilds

  • Player boards**
  • Liverymen tokens**
  • Guild tiles**
  • Action cards**
  • Mayor cards**
  • Neutral liverymen tokens**
  • Master pawns**
  • Scoreboard and scoring tokens**
  • Coins (silver and gold)**
  • Market tiles**

    How To Setup Guilds

    To set up Guilds, you start by creating the city of London using tiles. The Guildhall and London tiles are always in the middle, while other tiles representing areas, shops, and buildings are randomly placed around them. Each player begins with 4 liverymen in the Guildhall, 7 action cards, and 1 mayor card. The city setup varies slightly depending on the number of players, with different configurations for 2, 3, or 4 players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Gameplay Mechanics

  • Tile Placement: The city of London grows throughout the game as new tiles are added every three rounds.
  • Card Play: Players use action cards to add liverymen to the Guildhall, move liverymen to different locations, or activate special abilities on the cards.
  • Bidding and Resolution: Players compete for control of tiles by having the most liverymen on them. Neutral liverymen can be exchanged to alter the majority.
  • Income Management: Players manage silver and gold coins, converting silver to gold to use for acquiring market tiles.
  • Market Phases: Players can acquire new tiles and cards during the market phase.

    Game Objective

    The objective is to score the most points by controlling tiles, using special abilities, and strategically placing liverymen. Points are awarded based on tile resolutions, mayor cards, and the placement of Master pawns.

    Player Experience

    Playing Guilds involves a mix of strategic planning and tactical decisions. The game is known for its multi-use cards, which offer various actions and abilities, forcing players to make tough decisions about how to use their cards effectively. The dynamic city setup and the introduction of new tiles every few rounds add a layer of unpredictability, keeping the game fresh and engaging.

    Pros

  • Multi-use Cards: Offers a variety of actions and special abilities, enhancing strategic depth.
  • Dynamic City Setup: Ensures each game is unique with new tiles and challenges.
  • Neutral Liverymen: Adds a layer of strategy and unpredictability to tile control.
  • Varied Scoring: Different tiles offer different rewards, making each round exciting.

    Cons

  • Complexity: The game involves multiple mechanics, which can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Length: The average playtime of 60-90 minutes may be too long for some players.
  • Luck Element: The random draw of cards and tile placements can introduce an element of luck.

    Personal Thoughts on Guilds

    Guilds is an excellent choice for players who enjoy complex strategy games with deep mechanics. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games with multi-use cards, dynamic setups, and a mix of short-term and long-term strategies. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for quick, straightforward gameplay.

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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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