Rival Kings (2016) Board Game

Rival Kings is a medieval-themed card game released in 2016 by Fiore GmbH and designer Oliver Schoon. The game pits players against each other in a battle for supremacy, as they collect sets of cards and strategically choose their actions to outwit their opponents.

Game Components of Rival Kings

Cards: Representing subjects, buildings, and characters with different ranks and actions.

Conflict Markers: Used to track conflicts between players.

Money: Represented by certain cards that can also serve as actions.

Action Cards: Each character has a set of actions they can perform.

How To Setup Rival Kings

To set up Rival Kings, each player starts with three cards and one conflict marker. Players simultaneously reveal one of their cards to determine the order of play based on the card’s rank. The highest rank goes first, and in case of a tie, the player with fewer conflict markers goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Set Collection: Players collect subjects and buildings to score points.

Simultaneous Action Selection: Players choose their actions simultaneously, adding a layer of strategy and unpredictability.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by collecting valuable subjects and buildings while managing conflicts and actions efficiently.

Player Experience

Rival Kings is a game for 2 to 4 players, lasting about 20-30 minutes. It involves strategic planning and quick decision-making, as players need to balance their actions with the need to avoid conflicts. The game is categorized under the medieval theme and is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games are relatively short, lasting about 20-30 minutes.

Strategic Depth: The simultaneous action selection and conflict mechanics add a layer of complexity and strategy.

Dynamic Subjects: Subjects and buildings provide various possibilities and dynamics to the game.

Medieval Theme: The game’s medieval setting can be appealing to fans of the genre.

Cons

Conflict Complexity: Managing conflicts and conflict markers can be confusing for new players.

Limited Actions: Higher-ranking characters have fewer actions available, which can limit their flexibility.

Luck Element: The random draw of cards introduces an element of luck that can affect strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Rival Kings

Rival Kings is a game suited for players who enjoy strategic card games with a touch of medieval flair. It is ideal for those who like quick, engaging games that require careful planning and adaptation. However, the game may not be as appealing to players who prefer longer, more immersive experiences or those who are averse to games with a significant luck element. Overall, Rival Kings is a fun and challenging addition to any board game collection, especially for fans of set collection and simultaneous action selection mechanics.

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