- Publisher(s) : Studio H
- Designer(s) : Marc André
- Artist(s) : Claire Conan
- Players : 2–5
- Playing time : 30 Min
- Weight BGG : 2.22
What's this?
The goal is to become the richest player at the end of the 16th round. You manage a fiefdom by developing different areas (Fields, Mill, Village, etc.) to accumulate wealth.
How do you play?
Your turn:
Move your Lord pawn to the next row of tiles.
➡️ It is placed on a new tile, then the left tile is added to the player’s corresponding domain.
➡️ Apply the tile’s special effect: Each type of domain has a unique effect, such as collecting additional coins or attacking an opponent.
➡️ Collect income: You earn coins according to the tiles present in your fief, with additional income depending on the domains.
Domains and effects:
➡️ Fields: Gives coins for each Peasant symbol.
➡️ Mill: Opponents with fewer Mills than you must give you coins.
➡️ Village: Allows you to recover tiles from the Graveyard.
➡️ Rampart: Reserves a tile to prevent other players from taking it.
➡️ Market: Gives coins for each Chest symbol.
➡️ Barracks: Attacks players with fewer Ramparts, who must discard tiles.
➡️ Church and Palace: Increase income by placing additional tokens under your board.
End of game:
The game ends after the 16th round. The richest player wins, with tiebreaker criteria such as the number of Palaces and Churches in the event of a tie.
Is it good?
Created by Marc André, the father of the famous Splendor, Middle Ages stands out as an accessible and enjoyable strategy game. Just like its predecessor, it seduces with its simplicity, which makes it an excellent choice to introduce newbies to the pleasures of board games. However, Middle Ages reveals a little strategic depth that will satisfy the most experienced players.
The core of the gameplay is based on a tile selection mechanism, similar to that of Kingdomino. Each turn, players will have to judiciously choose the tiles that will enrich their kingdom. These choices, often difficult, require good anticipation and a long-term vision.
While Middle Ages favors individual construction, a few interaction mechanisms spice up the games. Beware of overly touchy players, however!
The games are short, lasting about 30 minutes, which allows you to play one game after another without getting bored. In addition, the End of Round Event cards bring a welcome dose of chance and promote replayability.
Middle Ages stands out for the quality of its components. Each tile is carefully illustrated, offering a pleasant and immersive visual.
Middle Ages is an excellent choice to introduce new players, but also to delight fans of light and accessible strategy games. Its simplicity, speed and quality material make it an ideal game to have a good time with family or friends. If you are looking for a game to discover the mechanics of tile placement or to relax after a long day, Middle Ages will satisfy you.
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Review Middle Ages
Positives
- Accessible game
- Tile draft mechanics
- Quality material
- Short games
Negatives
- May lack depth for experienced players
- Lack of originality
Breakdown
- Components and illustrations 10.0
- Mechanics 7.0
- Thematic 7.5
- Replayability 7.5
- Handling 10.0
- Interaction 9.0
- Originality 5.0
