Kings of Artifice (2013) Board Game

Kings of Artifice is a board game that was released in in 2013. It is designed by Redd Cohen and Miguel Coimbra, with artwork done by Wyrd Games. The game falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, City Building, Fantasy, Medieval, and Territory Building. With a runtime of 60 minutes, Kings of Artifice is suitable for players aged 13 and above, accommodating 2 to 4 players.

Game Components of Kings of Artifice

Wooden blocks for building structures

Spell cards

Victory Point tokens

Game board

Player markers

How To Setup Kings of Artifice

To set up the game, each player chooses a set of player markers and places them on the board. The wooden blocks are arranged within reach of all players. The spell cards are shuffled and dealt evenly among the players. The game board is placed in the middle, and the Victory Point tokens are set aside to be awarded during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Points: Players use action points to perform various actions such as building structures, casting spells, or scoring Victory Points.

Area Majority / Influence: Players compete to control different areas of the board to gain advantages.

Enclosure: Players enclose areas to secure points.

Grid Movement: Players move their markers around the grid to access different resources and areas.

Pattern Building: Players build structures using the wooden blocks.

Tile Placement: While not explicitly mentioned, the game involves strategic placement of blocks similar to tile placement mechanics.

Objective: The goal is to score the most Victory Points by building structures, casting spells, and controlling areas of the board.

Player Experience

Kings of Artifice offers a challenging yet engaging experience for players who enjoy strategic planning and competitive gameplay. The game requires careful management of action points and strategic placement of blocks to outmaneuver opponents. The fantasy and city-building elements add a creative twist to the abstract strategy genre.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers multiple mechanics that require thoughtful planning.

Competitive: Suitable for players who enjoy competing against each other.

Creative: Combines building and spell-casting elements, making it a unique blend of city-building and fantasy.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a moderate to high complexity level, which may deter new players.

Length: Games typically last around 60 minutes, which might be too long for some players.

Learning Curve: The combination of mechanics can be overwhelming for beginners.

Personal Thoughts on Kings of Artifice

Kings of Artifice is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who appreciate abstract strategy and competitive gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy games like Carcassonne or Settlers of Catan but are looking for something with a unique twist. However, due to its complexity and length, it may not be the best introduction for new players to the world of board games.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.