La Famiglia is a card game that was released in 2017 and designed by Valeria Favoccia. The game is set in the world of the Italian mafia and involves players trying to build the strongest family by recruiting members and completing various missions.
Game Components of La Famiglia
Map of Sicily: Colorful and detailed map where the game takes place.Six different mafia families: Each with special abilities.Region control powers: 11 powers, with 7 randomly chosen for each game.Faction and neutral markers: Including soldiers, vehicles, and bombs.Action discs: Used for planning and executing actions.Cards: For secret orders and special abilities.Wooden components: Cars, speedboats, and other tokens.Coins and other markers: For tracking economy, recruitment, and other resources.
How To Setup La Famiglia
Setup involves several steps:
Region control powers: Randomly choose 7 out of 11 powers.Faction assignment: Deal 3 factions to each team, with players secretly assigning one faction to each player and discarding the third.Board seeding: Players place faction and neutral markers on the board based on their position.Action sheet setup: Place neutral and faction action discs on the action sheet.Initial player tokens: Distribute bonus pieces according to the random setup card.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Team-based gameplay: Players are divided into two teams of two.Planning phase: Develop abilities, bring fighters and secret orders to the board.Combat phase: Reveal and execute secret orders to dominate regions.Worker placement: Place action discs to manage resources and actions.Area control: Control regions to win the game.Objective: Control 5 “mandamenti” (mafia fiefdoms) as a single player or 6 as a team to win. If no team controls the required number after four rounds, the team with the most regions wins.
Player Experience
La Famiglia is a game that rewards multiple plays and strategic coordination between team members. The game is known for its high interaction and complexity, making it a challenging yet engaging experience. Players must carefully plan and execute their actions, using their unique faction abilities and secret orders to outmaneuver their opponents. The game’s artwork is praised for its beauty, though it can sometimes make the game less readable.
Pros
Unique mechanic mix: Combines worker placement and area control in a team-based format.Gorgeous artwork: Colorful and compelling art style.Ingenious worker placement: Allows for deep strategic planning.Exciting combat system: Psychological duels through secret orders.
Cons
Strict player count: Requires exactly four players.Questionable balance: Some systems feel unbalanced or based on luck.Combat system issues: Can feel random and unmitigated, leading to significant early game disadvantages.Readability issues: Art can make the game less readable.
Personal Thoughts on La Famiglia
La Famiglia is ideal for gamers who enjoy complex, heavy games with deep strategic elements and high interaction. It is not suitable for casual gamers or those who prefer games with fewer players. The game’s requirement for exactly four players can be a significant barrier, but for those who can assemble the right group, it offers a rewarding and challenging experience. If you’re a fan of games like Ark Nova or other complex Euros, and you’re looking for a game that will keep you engaged over multiple plays, La Famiglia might be the perfect addition to your gaming collection. However, it may not be the best choice for those who get frustrated with planning disruptions or those seeking a more balanced and predictable gameplay experience.
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