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The Market of Alturien (2007) Board Game

ByMichail

The Market of Alturien is a board game released in 2007, designed by Wolfgang Kramer and published by Mayfair Games. It falls under the category of economic and medieval-themed games, where players compete to become the most successful merchant in the land of Alturien. With a runtime of 60 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, this game offers an engaging and strategic gameplay experience.

Game Components of The Market of Alturien

  • Board:** A large, linen-textured six-panel board featuring a 7×9 grid divided into six colored sections.
  • Plastic Bits:** 12 trade houses in each of six player colors, and seven customer figures (1 gold grande, 2 silver marques, 3 bronze condes, and 1 black thief).
  • Cards:** Market leader cards, investment cards, prestige cards, and guards cards, all with high-quality artwork.
  • Game Summary Cards:** Light cardboard cards detailing setup and gameplay.
  • Dice:** Two wooden dice with sides labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 1-3.
  • Money:** Plain paper money, which is the only component that stands out as less quality compared to the others.

    How To Setup The Market of Alturien

    To set up the game, players place the six customers on the board. Each player places four of their trade houses in different street spaces, one of which may be a dark gray corner business. Players then take market leader cards if they have at least two trade houses in a district. Each player starts with $6. The board is set with specific paths and buildings, and the initial market leader cards are distributed based on the trade house placements.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** Be the first player to gain enough money to buy three prestige cards.
  • Player Turn:** Move a figure, collect money, and spend money.
  • Move a Figure:** Roll a die and move a figure the corresponding number of spaces. The thief figure can be moved after a player has $10 or more, allowing an extra move.
  • Collect Money:** Earn money based on the value of the figure and the number of market stalls in the space it landed on.
  • Market Stalls:** Place, add, or move market stalls on empty spaces or existing businesses.
  • Prestige Cards:** Buy one prestige card per turn for $12.
  • Investment Cards:** Buy up to two investment cards per game, which offer various bonuses like additional workers, a wagon maker’s shop, a business office, or a ship.

    Player Experience

    The Market of Alturien offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Players must balance the placement of their trade houses, the movement of customers, and the management of their finances to achieve the goal of buying prestige cards. The game’s high-quality components and attractive artwork enhance the overall experience, making it visually appealing and engaging.

    Pros

  • High-Quality Components:** Attractive and durable components, except for the plain paper money.
  • Strategic Depth:** Combines luck and tactics, offering a balanced gameplay experience.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for players aged 10 and above, making it a great family game.
  • Attractive Artwork:** The board and components feature high-quality, appealing artwork.

    Cons

  • Paper Money:** The plain paper money is less quality compared to other components.
  • Complex Setup:** The initial setup can be somewhat complex due to the distribution of market leader cards and placement of trade houses.

    Personal Thoughts on The Market of Alturien

    The Market of Alturien is an excellent choice for families and groups of friends looking for a game that combines strategy and luck. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy games with a medieval marketplace theme and are willing to invest time in understanding the setup and gameplay mechanics. Despite the minor issue with the paper money, the game’s overall quality and engaging gameplay make it a worthwhile addition to any board game collection.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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