Viscounts of the West Kingdom (2020) Board Game

Viscounts of the West Kingdom is a board game released in 2020 and designed by S J Macdonald and Shem Phillips. Set in the medieval era, the game challenges players to become the most influential noble in the kingdom by gaining favor with the King. With stunning artwork by Mihajlo Dimitrievski, the game offers a unique blend of strategy and deck-building mechanics.

Game Components of Viscounts of the West Kingdom

4 Corruption Markers

4 Virtue Markers

50 Silver

80 Workers (20 per color)

4 Viscounts (1 per color)

12 Guildhalls (3 per color)

12 Trading Posts (3 per color)

12 Workshops (3 per color)

24 Ink Wells

24 Gold

24 Stone

35 Manuscripts

1 Castle

1 Start Player Marker

4 Player Boards

5 Main Board Segments

68 Neutral Townsfolk Cards

10 Hero Townsfolk Cards

32 Starting Townsfolk Cards

4 Cleric Bonus Cards

1 Castle Leader Card

1 Poverty Card

1 Prosperity Card

10 Player Cards

4 Multiplier Cards

30 Debt Cards

30 Deed Cards

For Solo Play: 8 Starting Scheme Cards, 8 Future Scheme Cards, 1 AI Reference Card.

How To Setup Viscounts of the West Kingdom

To set up the game, arrange the five main board segments to create an interlocked ring with the plastic castle piece in the center to lock the segments in place. Populate the marked spaces on the board with face-up piles of Neutral Townsfolk cards and arrange the Manuscript tiles according to the game setup rules. Create piles for Debt and Deed cards, inserting the Poverty and Prosperity cards at specified depths based on the number of players. Each player chooses a color, receives the corresponding pieces, a player board, Corruption and Virtue markers, and a starting deck of Townsfolk cards. Hero Townsfolk cards and Player cards are dealt face up, and players draft one of these pairings to add to their deck. Determine the starting player, and each player draws three cards to form their opening hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck, Bag, and Pool Building: Players build their deck of Townsfolk cards.

Hand Management: Manage cards to perform actions.

Modular Board: The board is composed of interlocking segments.

Rondel: Action selection mechanism using a rondel.

Set Collection: Collecting manuscripts and other cards.

Solo / Solitaire Game: Option for solo play.

Variable Player Powers: Different abilities based on cards and player choices.

Worker Placement: Placing workers in the castle.

Objective: The goal is to score the most victory points by constructing buildings, writing manuscripts, working in the castle, and acquiring deeds for new land. The game ends when either the Poverty or Prosperity card is revealed, triggering the final round and scoring.

Player Experience

Players navigate a complex but engaging medieval world where they must balance loyalty to the king with gaining favor among the townsfolk. Each turn involves strategic card play, movement around the board, and performing actions such as building, transcribing manuscripts, or acquiring resources. The game requires a blend of short-term and long-term planning, as players must manage their deck, resources, and influence across various areas of the kingdom. The dynamic setup and multiple paths to victory ensure high replayability.

Pros

High Replayability: Randomized board setup and multiple strategies.

Deep Strategy: Combines deck building, worker placement, and area control.

Engaging Theme: Immersive medieval setting with complex societal dynamics.

Variable Player Powers: Unique abilities and starting conditions add variety.

Solo Play Option: inclusive for solo players with dedicated mechanics.

Cons

Complex Rules: Steep learning curve due to numerous mechanics and components.

Long Setup Time: Setting up the game can be time-consuming.

Resource Management: Managing silver, inkwells, and other resources can be daunting.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can extend beyond the estimated 60-90 minutes.

Personal Thoughts on Viscounts of the West Kingdom

**Viscounts of the West Kingdom** is ideal for players who enjoy complex, strategic games with deep mechanics and multiple paths to victory. It is particularly suited for fans of the West Kingdom Trilogy and those who appreciate games that require careful planning and resource management. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and setup time, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to learn and master its intricacies.

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.