The City of Kings (2018) Board Game

The City of Kings is a cooperative adventure board game that was released in 2018 by The City of Games. Designed by Frank West and illustrated by Miguel Da Silva, this game is set in a fantasy world where players work together to explore, fight monsters, solve puzzles, and complete missions.

Game Components of The City of Kings

Hundreds of well-made cards for quests, equipment, movement, and skill tree enhancements.

Map tiles representing areas around the City of Kings and the wasteland.

Character sheets and unique skill trees for each hero.

Tokens for resources (linen, wood, ore, special goods) and problems (frost, fire, hounds, poison gas).

Worker tokens and hero tokens or miniatures.

Double set of “quick start” trays for organized setup and takedown.

How To Setup The City of Kings

Setup involves using a set-up card to randomly lay out the map tiles, which may include face-up tiles that must be visited to drive the story forward. The set-up card also details character setup, including any extra skill points or XP, and the strength of the monsters. Players organize their components, including characters, workers, and resources, according to the scenario or story being played.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to defeat the armies of Vesh.

Resource Gathering: Workers gather resources by landing on tiles and rolling dice based on their skills.

Character Progression: Heroes can upgrade their skills and equipment.

Exploration: Players explore the world using map tiles.

Combat: Heroes and monsters take turns, with heroes using actions like move, attack, heal, and interact.

Objective: Defend the Ageless Realms from Vesh over a series of 7 stories and 12 scenarios.

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of god-like heroes, along with up to two worker units, to explore, battle, and gather resources. The game requires a balance between using powerful heroes and efficient workers to complete quests and gather necessary resources. Each player’s turn involves activating monsters and taking actions, which can include moving, attacking, healing, or using special abilities.

Pros

Deep Character Progression: Heroes can significantly upgrade their skills and equipment.

High Replayability: Includes seven built-in storylines, 12 scenarios, and additional downloadable content.

Engaging Cooperative Play: Requires teamwork and strategy to win.

Detailed Components: Well-made cards, map tiles, and tokens enhance the gaming experience.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Initial setup and rules can be complex.

Lengthy Playtime: Games can last between 90 to 180 minutes.

Balance Issues: The original version had a steep progression curve for monster stats, though this has been addressed in the refreshed edition.

Personal Thoughts on The City of Kings

The City of Kings is ideal for fans of cooperative RPG-style board games who enjoy deep character progression and strategic gameplay. It is suited for players looking for a challenging and immersive experience, particularly those who appreciate fantasy adventures and puzzle-solving. The game’s complexity and length make it more appealing to experienced board game enthusiasts rather than casual players. The refreshed edition has made the game more accessible by addressing previous balance issues, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a cooperative fantasy adventure.

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