Kingdoms*

Kingdoms is a strategic tile-placement game set in a medieval realm, where players aim to amass the greatest wealth by judiciously establishing castles in the most prosperous regions, all while navigating various hazards. This game is an English-language adaptation of the original German game Auf Heller und Pfennig. The 2011 edition of Kingdoms enhances the experience with high-quality plastic castles and an exciting new wizard tile, previously a rare convention exclusive.

Gameplay Overview

• Tile Placement: Players strategically place tiles on a grid board. Each tile can either increase or decrease the value of shops in its row or column.
• Avoiding Hazards: Players must skillfully navigate around dragons, swamps, and trolls that can diminish their wealth.
• Scoring Rounds: The game board is filled thrice, and after each completion, players earn money based on the placement of their shops and castles.

Special Features

• Detailed Plastic Castles: The 2011 edition features aesthetically pleasing plastic castles, adding a tactile and visual appeal to the game.
• Wizard Tile: A new addition to the game, this tile increases the rank and score potential of adjacent castles, offering new strategic possibilities.
• Streamlined Rulebook: The updated edition comes with a refined rulebook, making it more accessible to new players.

Conclusion

Kingdoms is an engaging game for players who enjoy strategic planning and tile placement mechanics. Its medieval marketplace theme, combined with the challenge of avoiding hazards and maximizing profits, offers a dynamic and entertaining gaming experience. The inclusion of high-quality components and the wizard tile in the 2011 edition further enhances the game, making it a notable choice for both family and strategy-focused game nights.