Renaissance Man (2013) Board Game

Renaissance Man is a strategic board game that was released in in 2013. It is designed by Martin Hoffmann, Claus Stephan, and Mirko Suzuki, with artwork by Rio Grande Games. The game is set in the Renaissance period, where players take on the role of scholars competing to become the most renowned Renaissance Man by collecting knowledge in various fields.

Game Components of Renaissance Man

120 Worker cards

16 Master cards

4 Foundation templates

Rulebook

Various tokens and markers

How To Setup Renaissance Man

To set up the game, each player starts with the same five foundation cards, each representing a trade skill (scholar, merchant, knight, and baker). These cards are aligned to a heavy-duty cardboard template. Players then draw a starting hand of cards, and the remaining cards are placed in a draw deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Set Collecting

Objective: The first player to complete a pyramid structure of 15 workers, creating a single Master of study, wins the game.

Actions: Players perform actions by combining a worker in play with a card from their hand. These actions include recruiting, training, and hiring.

Pyramid Building: Workers are laid out in a pyramid fashion, with two workers required to support higher-level workers.

Card Restrictions: The symbol on each card limits what can be played on top of the two cards underneath.

Renaissance Man Card: A wild card that can be used in place of any trade skill.

Solo Play: Includes rules for solo play.

Player Experience

In **Renaissance Man**, players take on the role of a Renaissance individual skilled in multiple areas. The game requires strategic planning and adaptability, as players must navigate the limitations imposed by the cards they have available. Each turn, players must decide how to use their workers and cards to build their pyramid efficiently. The game becomes increasingly challenging as players cover up cards, reducing their available actions.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers complex strategies despite its simple premise.

Replayability: Multiple paths to build the pyramid ensure varied gameplay.

Solo Play: Includes rules for solo play, adding versatility.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 13 and above.

Short Playtime: Games typically last under 30 minutes.

Cons

Learning Curve: Can be confusing initially, requiring multiple plays to fully understand.

Limited Actions: As players progress, they have fewer actions available, which can be challenging.

Out of Print: Currently not available for new purchases.

Personal Thoughts on Renaissance Man

**Renaissance Man** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a historical twist. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the Renaissance era and are looking for a game that challenges their strategic thinking. While it may take some time to grasp the rules and strategies, the game offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy set collecting and pyramid-building mechanics. However, due to its current out-of-print status, finding a copy might be challenging.

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.