Thrones of Valeria (2022) Board Game

Thrones of Valeria is a card game set in the fantasy world of Valeria, where players take on the roles of noble houses competing for power and influence. Designed by Matt Jacobs and published by Daily Magic Games, Thrones of Valeria was released in 2022 to much anticipation from fans of card games and fantasy genres.

Game Components of Thrones of Valeria

48 cards divided into five suits, each numbered 1 to 9, plus three Jester cards

Standings Board to track the relative power of each house

Chunky “mahjong-style” House tiles

Custom draw bag for House tiles

Coin tokens for scoring

Summary cards for quick reference to card abilities

Cardboard trough style insert for storage

How To Setup Thrones of Valeria

To set up Thrones of Valeria, begin by assembling the board and placing it in the center of the table. Draw Guild tokens from the bag to set the initial Guild ranks. Shuffle the deck of cards and deal them to players based on the player count (e.g., 13 cards per player in a 3-player game, 7 cards per player in a 6-player game). Each player also starts with 2 silver coins. For two-player games, each player is dealt 20 cards, which are then split into two 10-card decks.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Trick-taking card game

Game Mechanics: Changing suit ranks, special card powers, team play

Objective: Collect the most gold (coins) after two rounds.

Key Mechanics:
– Cards have special actions that affect gameplay.
– Winning a trick can sometimes result in penalties rather than rewards.
– Guild rankings change throughout the game, affecting which suit is highest.
– Team play allows players to share coins and strategize together.

Player Experience

Thrones of Valeria offers a dynamic and engaging experience, particularly for fans of trick-taking games. The constantly changing suit ranks and special card powers require strategic thinking and adaptability. The game is enjoyable for both individual and team play, with the team mode adding a layer of coordination and strategy between teammates. The game typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the player count.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: Changing suit ranks and special card actions keep the game exciting and unpredictable.

Team Play: Allows for cooperative strategy and communication between teammates.

Short Playtime: Games are generally short, making it easy to play multiple rounds.

High Replayability: The game’s mechanics ensure that each playthrough is different.

Unique Victory Condition: Winning tricks is not always beneficial, adding a new layer of strategy.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex for new players due to the special actions and changing suit ranks.

Artwork: Some players may not appreciate the artwork direction on the cards.

Lack of Cohesive Theme: The game’s connection to the Valeria universe is minimal in terms of gameplay and artwork.

Personal Thoughts on Thrones of Valeria

Thrones of Valeria is ideal for fans of trick-taking games who are looking for a fresh twist on traditional mechanics. It is suitable for older kids and adults due to its complexity. The game’s unique features and short playtime make it a great addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy strategic and dynamic card games. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a strong thematic connection to the Valeria universe or straightforward, simple gameplay.

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