House of Borgia (2017) Board Game

House of Borgia is a board game released in 2017, designed by Ian Rosenthaler. The game is set in the Renaissance period and revolves around the infamous Borgia family, known for their power and influence in Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Game Components of House of Borgia

Dice

Player tokens

Cardinal cards

Action cards (bribes, poison, nasty rumors)

Rulebook

How To Setup House of Borgia

To set up the game, each player selects a cardinal to support secretly. The dice and action cards are distributed accordingly. Players take turns rolling the dice and bidding on actions, ensuring their chosen cardinal remains hidden from the other players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Betting and Bluffing, Dice Rolling

Objective: Manipulate the Conclave through bribes, poison, and rumors to support your chosen cardinal without being discovered. The goal is to become the advisor to the next pope.

Player Experience

In **House of Borgia**, players engage in a 30-minute game of deception and skill. The game supports 2 to 6 players and is suitable for ages 14 and above. Players must balance their actions carefully, as revealing their supported cardinal can lead to immediate loss.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The medieval setting and the intrigue of the Conclave add a rich layer to the gameplay.

Social Interaction: The bluffing mechanics encourage active player interaction and deduction.

Quick Playtime: The game is designed for a short, intense play session.

Cons

Complexity: While the game is not overly complex, the bluffing mechanics can make it challenging for new players to master.

Luck Element: The dice rolling introduces an element of luck, which may not appeal to players seeking purely strategic games.

Limited Replayability: Some players might find the game repetitive after multiple plays.

Personal Thoughts on House of Borgia

**House of Borgia** is ideal for those who enjoy social deduction games and are comfortable with a bit of luck and bluffing. It’s a great addition to any game collection for players who appreciate quick, engaging sessions with friends or family. However, it may not be the best fit for players looking for deeply strategic or highly replayable games.

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