The North (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

The North is a card game released in 2019, designed by Aaron Nakahara and published by Small Box Games. It falls under the categories of Fantasy and Science Fiction, making it a popular choice for fans of those genres. The game is designed for 1-2 players and has a runtime of about 30 minutes.

Game Components of Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North

6 Clan decks (2 each for the Scots, Vikings, and Inuits), each with 33 unique cards

Expedition board

Clan score markers

Nearby Island cards (12)

Distant Island cards (10)

Action tiles

Workers

Resources (food, wood, stone, gold)

Action pawns

First player marker

Scoreboard

How To Setup Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North

To set up the game, each player selects one of the six Clan decks and starts with three basic “fields” cards that dictate their starting resources and workers. Players draw four cards from their deck and decide which to keep, with each kept card costing one worker. The remaining cards are shuffled to form the draw deck. The Expedition board is set up with Island cards, and each player receives their starting resources and workers.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Drafting: Players draw cards from their Clan deck and decide which to keep.

Resource Management: Manage resources (food, wood, stone, gold) to perform actions.

Area Control: Conquer and pillage islands to gain resources and actions.

Action Point Allowance System: Use action pawns to perform limited actions per round.

Game Objective

The goal is to earn the most Victory Points by expanding your Clan, sailing to unexplored islands, and managing resources.

The game ends when a player reaches 25 Victory Points.

Victory Points are earned from actions, location features, and resources.

Player Experience

In **Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North**, players embark on a journey to build their empire through careful resource management and strategic card play. The game starts with minimal resources and slowly builds up as players expand their territories and conquer islands. The action wheel system allows for flexible planning, but the scarcity of resources adds a layer of complexity and challenge. Solo play scenarios are also available, offering a diverse and engaging experience.

Pros

Unique Clan Decks: Each clan has its own set of cards, offering varied gameplay experiences.

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and resource management.

Solo Play: Includes four solo play scenarios with different challenges and goals.

Engaging Art and Design: The game features cute illustrations and a well-designed board.

Cons

Resource Scarcity: Resources are tight, which can be frustrating for some players.

Complexity: Understanding how different cards work together can be challenging.

Limited Actions: The action wheel limits the number of actions per round, requiring strategic use of resources and workers.

Personal Thoughts on Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North

**Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North** is ideal for fans of card drafting and resource management games who enjoy strategic depth and variety in gameplay. It is suited for players who appreciate the challenge of managing limited resources and planning multiple steps ahead. The game is recommended for those who have enjoyed the Imperial Settlers series or similar games like El Grande or 7 Wonders, and it is accessible to players aged 10 and above. With a playing time of 45-90 minutes, it offers a substantial gaming experience without being overly lengthy.

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