Ventura (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ventura is a board game released in 2011 that combines elements of Renaissance, Territory Building, and Wargame genres. Designed by Maichol Quinto, Gianluca Santopietro, and Demis Savini, the game challenges 2-4 players to strategically build and expand their territories. With a playtime of around 90 minutes and a recommended age of 13+, Ventura offers a competitive and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Ventura

Over 120 plastic pieces

40 Territory tiles

4 Family Boards

A scoring board

Over 100 cards

Numbered pieces representing groups of associated cards, military units, and leaders.

How To Setup Ventura

To set up Ventura, players start by building a variable map using randomly drawn hexagonal terrain tiles. Each player chooses a noble house and receives a Family Board, which helps guide them through the game steps. The game includes battle boards that fit over the main board to manage battles efficiently. Players also distribute the necessary cards, territory tiles, and plastic pieces according to the game manual.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: War, Strategy, Resource Management

Mechanics: Area Control, Variable Player Powers, Resource Management

Objective: Balance your house’s earnings, maintain hired soldiers, and manage financial resources (florins) to control territories and ultimately win the game.

Players draw and play cards, which cost money, and must pay to keep troops in action.

The game ends when a player reaches 30 victory points or when a player’s capital is captured by an opponent.

Player Experience

Ventura offers a refreshing and strategic gaming experience. Despite its seemingly complex setup, the game mechanics are relatively easy to grasp, with depth emerging after multiple plays. Players must plan ahead carefully, as early choices can significantly impact the late game. The game is known for its deceptive balance, where individual components may seem unbalanced but work well together as a whole.

Pros

Deceptively Balanced: The game appears unbalanced in parts but is well-balanced overall.

Strategic Depth: Choices early on have a significant impact on the late game.

Medieval-Europe Feeling: The game effectively captures the medieval Europe atmosphere.

Interactive: Players can actively affect each other’s strategies.

Variable Map: The game features a variable map built from hexagonal terrain tiles.

Cons

Short Game Length: The game can end quickly, sometimes in under an hour, which may be surprising given the initial complexity.

Component Quality: Some components, like the numbered pieces, have issues with visibility and are hollow inside.

Need for Modifications: Players might need to paint some pieces for better visibility.

Personal Thoughts on Ventura

Ventura is ideal for those who enjoy strategic games with a mix of military and financial management. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games with variable setups and interactive elements. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking extremely long or overly complex games, Ventura offers a engaging and balanced experience that rewards strategic thinking and planning. If you’re looking for a game that captures the essence of medieval Europe with a touch of mercenary warfare, Ventura is a great choice.

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