Jórvík (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Jórvík is a board game set in the Viking era, specifically focusing on the city of York in England. Designed by Marc Margielsky and published in 2016, it falls under the category of auction and bidding worker placement games.

Game Components of Jórvík

Game board

Card deck (including goods, artisans, Skald, Trader, and Warrior cards)

Good cubes (representing amber, iron, leather, wool, jet, silk, glass, and gold)

Ship cards

Pict cards

Coin tokens

Viking meeples

Oracle Cards

Defender Cards

How To Setup Jórvík

To set up the game, the board is prepared based on the chosen game mode: Karl or Jarl. In Karl mode, only the bottom half of the board is used, and some advanced cards are removed. In Jarl mode, the entire board is used, and the full deck is shuffled. Players receive starting coins and meeples. The starting player token is determined, and the deck is shuffled to draw cards for the initial Supply Phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Worker Placement: Players place their meeples on the board to determine bidding order.

Bidding Mechanism: Players bid on cards using coins, with the cost determined by the number of Vikings in the interest lane.

Resource Management: Players manage goods cubes and coins.

Variable Player Powers: Different cards provide unique abilities.

Game Objective

Players aim to gain the most victory points by trading goods, holding feasts, funding pillages, commissioning craftsmen, and defending the city against Pict attacks.

The game is divided into four phases: Supply Phase, Demand Phase, Buying Phase, and Loading Phase.

Each turn, players draw cards, bid on them, purchase and pass on cards, and then distribute goods and activate card effects.

Player Experience

In **Jórvík**, players experience a blend of strategic planning and social interaction. The game is known for its subtle yet impactful ‘screw you’ element, where players can disrupt their opponents’ plans without being overly malicious. The game requires careful resource management and strategic bidding to acquire valuable cards and goods. With its medium complexity and medium conflict level, **Jórvík** offers a engaging experience for players who enjoy a mix of strategy and social manipulation.

Pros

Elegant Bidding Mechanism: The bidding system is simple yet effective, adding a layer of strategy and social interaction.

Balanced Gameplay: The game strikes a good balance between individual strategy and social elements.

Thematic Integration: The game is deeply rooted in Viking history and culture, making it appealing for history enthusiasts.

Replayability: The variable setup and multiple game modes ensure high replayability.

Cons

Mean-Spirited Elements: The game’s mechanics can lead to frustrating moments for some players, particularly those who cannot handle the ‘screw you’ aspect.

Tight Resource Management: The game is very tight on money, which can lead to difficult decisions and limited options.

Potential for Fractured Relationships: The competitive nature of the game can strain friendships if players are not prepared for the level of competition.

Personal Thoughts on Jórvík

**Jórvík** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong historical theme and social interaction. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the nuances of bidding mechanisms and resource management. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer cooperative games or those who are sensitive to competitive elements that can disrupt their plans. If you enjoy games like Stefan Feld’s other works and are fascinated by Viking history, **Jórvík** is definitely worth a try.

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