Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan (2019) Board Game

Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan is a standalone sequel to the highly acclaimed board game Marco Polo: The Voyages of Marco Polo. It was designed by Simone Luciani and Daniele Tascini, known for creating popular strategy board games. Published by Hans im Glück in 2019, this game takes players on a journey through medieval Asia as they serve the great Khan.

Game Components of Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan

Game board

Player boards

Dice

Resource tokens (camels, money, etc.)

Contract cards

Character cards with unique abilities

Office and route tiles

Various other tokens for tracking progress and resources

How To Setup Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the table. Each player selects a player board and places it within reach. The contract cards are shuffled and placed on designated spaces on the board. Players choose their starting characters, which provide unique abilities and starting resources. The dice, resource tokens, and other components are distributed as per the rules. The office and route tiles are set up according to the game’s instructions to create the game’s landscape.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Eurogame, Worker Placement

Mechanics: Dice Rolling, Worker Placement, Contract Fulfillment

Objective: Players aim to accumulate the most victory points by fulfilling contracts, traveling the Silk Road, and managing resources efficiently.

Gameplay: The game is played over 5 rounds. Players roll dice to determine the actions they can take. These actions include traveling, fulfilling contracts, and using their character’s special abilities. The game features a heavy contract fulfillment component, where players must manage resources and dice rolls to complete contracts and gain points.

Player Experience

Players familiar with *The Voyages of Marco Polo* will find **Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan** to be somewhat more beginner-friendly due to small but significant changes. The game retains the core mechanisms of its predecessor but feels smoother and more coherent. New characters introduce different playstyles, and the game’s design makes it easier to manage resources and travel. However, some players might find the game slightly less challenging compared to the original, particularly in terms of resource management and strategic planning.

Pros

Improved Resource Management: The new version eliminates the confusion between small and large resources.

New Characters: Introduces new characters with unique abilities, adding variety to gameplay.

Smoother Gameplay: The game feels more coherent and streamlined compared to its predecessor.

Beginner-Friendly: Small changes make the game more accessible to new players.

Cons

Less Challenging: Some players find the game less tight in terms of resource management, making it feel easier.

Variable Market: The dynamic market can make strategic planning more difficult.

Similarity to Original: For those who loved the original, the changes might not be compelling enough to prefer this version.

Personal Thoughts on Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan

**Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan** is ideal for fans of Eurogames and worker placement mechanics, especially those who enjoyed *The Voyages of Marco Polo* but found it a bit too complex. It is a great introduction for new players to the series, offering a more streamlined experience without sacrificing the depth and strategy that made the original so beloved. However, veteran players of the original might find it slightly less challenging, which could affect their preference. Overall, it is a well-done iteration that enhances the core experience while making it more accessible.

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