Kingsburg remains a safe bet in the dice management, resource management board game, with accessible mechanics and interesting tactical depth.
The indirect interaction between players, where the placement of your dice on the advisors directly influences the opponent’s decisions, is a key element. You can even be tricky to block your opponents!
Under its simple game appearance, Kingsburg reveals a strategic complexity that can be merciless. The winter phase, with its enemy attacks, can reduce to nothing the buildings constructed, adding constant tension.
Of course, dice management involves a significant amount of chance. If you are allergic to it, this game may not be for you.
The basic game box includes many expansions, offering great replayability. One of them even makes the combat phase more interesting.
The multitude of buildings and advisors allows for a wide variety of strategies, constantly renewing the gaming experience.
What about the new version?
I would have liked to see higher quality material for this new edition. Unfortunately, nothing has been improved compared to the second edition. The illustrations are not very engaging and the cardboard resources replace the wood of the old edition, which is regrettable. However, it seems that the rules have been revised for better understanding.
In summary, if you already own the old versions, this new edition will not bring any major changes. On the other hand, if you do not have any version of Kingsburg, this game remains an essential classic. It offers simple mechanisms, explained in a few minutes, while offering a strategic depth that will delight fans of dice and resource management games.