Guilds of London (2016) Board Game

Guilds of London is a board game released in 2016, designed by Tony Boydell and published by Surprised Stare Games Ltd. The game is set in medieval London, where players take on the roles of influential guild masters competing for power and dominance in the city.

Game Components of Guilds of London

Tiles: Representing various areas, shops, and buildings of London, each with associated guilds indicated by flags.

Liverymen: Player and neutral tokens used to control areas.

Action Cards: Multi-use cards representing different guilds with special abilities.

Mayor Cards: Used for bonus scoring at the end of the game.

Master Pawns: Used for end-game bonuses.

How To Setup Guilds of London

To set up the game, players start by placing the Guildhall and London tiles in the middle. Other tiles, representing different areas, shops, and buildings, are randomly placed around the Guildhall. The setup varies slightly depending on the player count; three or four-player games are set up similarly, while two-player games have a different configuration. Each player begins with 4 liverymen in the Guildhall, 7 action cards, and 1 mayor card.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players place liverymen on tiles to control areas.

Card Play: Players use action cards to add liverymen, move liverymen, or execute special abilities.

Variable Player Powers: Cards have different guild associations and abilities.

Neutral Liverymen: Players can hire neutral liverymen to influence tile resolutions.

Tile Resolution: Tiles are resolved if the required number of liverymen is met, with prizes awarded to the players with the most and second-most liverymen.

End Game: Points are calculated from adjacent Master pawns and Mayor cards, with the player having the most points declared the winner.

Player Experience

In **Guilds of London**, players engage in a dynamic battle for influence across medieval London. The game is marked by strategic card play and area control, where each action card can be used in multiple ways, adding depth and flexibility to the gameplay. The introduction of neutral liverymen adds an extra layer of strategy, as players must navigate the potential for their opponents to disrupt their control over key tiles. This creates a engaging and competitive environment where every move can significantly impact the outcome.

Pros

Multi-use Cards: Allows for flexible and strategic gameplay.

Neutral Liverymen: Adds a layer of unpredictability and strategic depth.

Variable Setup: Ensures each game is unique.

Historical Theme: Immerses players in the historical context of medieval London.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the multiple uses of cards and tile resolutions.

Setup Time: Random tile placement can take some time to set up.

Personal Thoughts on Guilds of London

**Guilds of London** is ideal for fans of strategic and thematic board games, particularly those who enjoy games with deep mechanics and historical settings. It is suited for players who appreciate the complexity of area control and card play, and are looking for a game that challenges their strategic thinking. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new players due to its complexity, experienced gamers will find it engaging and rewarding.

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