Urbino (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Urbino is an abstract strategy board game released in 2017 by designer Ludwig Gerhards. The game is set in the Italian Renaissance city of Urbino, known for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance. Players take on the role of master builders competing to construct the most impressive buildings and gain influence in the city.

Game Components of Urbino

9×9 square board

2 neutral architect figures (red)

18 Houses, 6 Palaces, and 3 Towers for each player (in two colors)

The board is made of solid beechwood treated with protective oils.

How To Setup Urbino

To set up Urbino, each player places one of the red architect tokens on the board. These architects are not owned by any player and can be moved by either player during their turn. The game starts with these initial placements, and players then begin their turns by moving an architect and building structures within the intersecting lines of sight of both architects.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Board: 9×9 square board.

Architects: Two neutral figures that must have a clear line of sight to the space where a building is to be placed.

Building Types: Houses (1 point), Palaces (2 points), Towers (3 points).

Placement Rules: Buildings can only be placed where both architects have a clear line of sight. Palaces and Towers cannot be placed adjacent to each other of the same color.

Turn Structure: Move one architect to an unoccupied square, then build a structure on a space seen by both architects.

Game End: The game ends when both players pass in succession, and the scores are calculated. The player with the higher total value of buildings in a district wins the points for that district.

Player Experience

Urbino is praised for its depth and complexity despite its simple initial appearance. Players need to balance offensive and defensive strategies, continually adjusting their moves to block their opponent’s attempts while securing valuable building spaces. The game requires careful planning and attention to the Architects’ positions, making each session challenging and engaging. Over multiple plays, players can develop more sophisticated strategies, making the game rewarding and enjoyable.

Pros

Depth and Complexity: Despite simple rules, the game offers deep tactical and strategic play.

Engaging Gameplay: The mechanism of moving Architects and building within their sight-lines adds a dynamic and challenging element.

Beautiful Components: The wooden pieces are lightweight and feel good to handle, adding to the overall gaming experience.

Easy to Learn: The game is straightforward to teach and learn, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

Complexity for New Players: While the rules are simple, mastering the game requires several plays, which can be daunting for new players.

Potential for Early Game End: If players are not careful, the game can end early if the Architects are maneuvered into a position where no further moves are possible.

Personal Thoughts on Urbino

Urbino is ideal for fans of abstract and strategy games who appreciate games with deep tactical and strategic elements. It is a great choice for players who enjoy planning and executing complex moves, and it is particularly suited for those who value the aesthetic appeal of high-quality game components. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, light-hearted experience, Urbino offers a rich and rewarding gameplay experience for those willing to invest the time to learn and master it.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.