Medici: The Card Game (2016) Board Game

Medici: The Card Game is a reimplementation of the original Medici board game, which was released in in 2016. Designed by renowned game designer Reiner Knizia, Medici: The Card Game retains the essence of the original game while streamlining the gameplay and adapting it into a card game format. The game takes place during the Renaissance period, where players take on the role of merchants vying for the most valuable goods to sell.

Game Components of Medici: The Card Game

Card Deck: Containing commodity cards (grain, spice, fur, dye, cloth) and special cards that increase the value of the ship’s load or provide additional points.

Player Ships: Each player has a ship with a specific capacity (7 cards for 2 players, 5 cards for 3-6 players).

Warehouse: For storing commodities.

Money: Florins, used for scoring.

Illustrations: Artwork by Vincent Dutrait.

How To Setup Medici: The Card Game

Setup is virtually nonexistent. Simply take out the cards, shuffle the deck, and set out the money. Players are ready to start once these steps are completed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drawing: Players draw 1-3 cards from the deck each turn and must take the last card drawn, with the option to take one or both of the previous two cards.

Loading Ships: Players load these commodity cards onto their ships until the ship’s capacity is reached.

Scoring: Points are scored for the value of goods in the ship’s hold and for the number of commodities stored in the warehouse. Special cards can add additional value or points without taking up space.

Rounds: The game consists of three rounds (days), with scoring at the end of each round.

Objective: The player with the most florins at the end of the three rounds wins.

Player Experience

Medici: The Card Game offers a fun and fast-paced experience with a unique blend of luck and strategy. Players must press their luck by deciding when to stop drawing cards and which cards to select, all while managing the limited space on their ships. The game scales well from 2 to 6 players, making it versatile for different group sizes.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: The game takes only about 30 minutes to play.

Easy Setup: Minimal setup is required, making it easy to get started.

Scalability: Works well with 2 to 6 players.

Beautiful Artwork: Illustrations by Vincent Dutrait add a vibrant and thematic touch.

Press-Your-Luck Mechanism: Encourages strategic decision-making.

Cons

Limited Depth: Some players may find the gameplay too simple or lacking in depth.

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck due to card draw.

Personal Thoughts on Medici: The Card Game

Medici: The Card Game is ideal for those looking for a light, quick, and fun card game that can be played in a short amount of time. It is suitable for families and casual game groups, as it is easy to learn and plays quickly. The game’s aesthetic and gameplay make it a great addition to any game night, especially as a starter game to get everyone in the mood. However, players seeking more complex or strategical games might find it too simplistic.

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