Joan of Arc: Orléans Draw & Write (2022) Board Game

Joan of Arc: Orléans Draw & Write is a board game that takes players back to the medieval times, specifically during the Hundred Years’ War. Players take on the role of Joan of Arc, the famous French heroine, as they strive to protect the city of Orléans from the English siege.

Game Components of Joan of Arc: Orléans Draw & Write

Player sheets (A4 / 8.5” x 11”)

Tokens representing six followers (farmers, boatsmen, craftsmen, traders, scholars, and knights)

Location cards (including original 20 locations plus 10 extra)

Solo AI deck

Goods grid

Development track

How To Setup Joan of Arc: Orléans Draw & Write

To set up the game, each player receives a player sheet, which includes a map for moving, a goods grid, and a development track. The tokens and location cards are prepared according to the player count. For solo play, the AI deck is set up separately.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Token Drafting: Players draw tokens from a bag, each representing a follower, and select one to take its action.

Action Resolution: Followers enable actions such as collecting goods, moving on the map, advancing the development track, and accessing building locations.

Goods Collection: Farmers collect goods by marking them off on the goods grid.

Map Movement: Boatsmen and knights move by scribbling off roads and waterways on the map.

Development Track: Scholars advance the development track.

Building Locations: Traders grant access to building locations which are marked on the player sheet or using location cards.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate goods, build locations, and advance on the development track to achieve the highest score.

Player Experience

**Joan of Arc: Orléans Draw & Write** offers a streamlined version of the original *Orléans* experience. The game is quick, with a playtime of about an hour for four players, and it maintains the core elements of the base game. It is particularly praised for its solo mode, which is easy to administer and provides a challenging experience.

Pros

Affordable: Available for under $30.

Ease of Teaching: Simple to teach to both hobby gamers and non-gamers.

Solo Play: Excellent solo mode with a 20-minute playtime and a stiff challenge.

Space Efficiency: The player sheet layout is well-designed, utilizing space efficiently.

Familiarity: Retains the look and feel of the original *Orléans*.

Cons

Comparison to Base Game: Some players may prefer the richer experience of the original *Orléans*, especially with experienced groups.

Playtime with Groups: While quick, it may not satisfy groups looking for a more extensive gaming session.

Personal Thoughts on Joan of Arc: Orléans Draw & Write

This game is ideal for those looking for a quick, yet satisfying, game that captures the essence of *Orléans*. It is perfect for introducing new players to the series or for fans of the original who want a faster, more portable version. The solo mode is a significant plus, making it a great option for players who enjoy solo gaming experiences. However, for groups of experienced players who can finish the original game in about 75 minutes, they might find the base game more rewarding.

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