Royals*

Royals is a strategic board game where players assume the roles of powerful noble houses in 17th-century Europe, competing to assert their dominance across the continent. Through skillful management of country and intrigue cards, players aim to secure influential positions and earn victory points by gaining the most influence in key territories.

Gameplay Overview

• Country Cards and Influence: Players use country cards to place their nobles in positions of power within different regions of Europe. The rank of each position determines the number of country cards required, with higher ranks demanding more cards.
• Contesting Positions: Occupied positions can be challenged by other players using intrigue cards, allowing for dynamic shifts in control and continuous player interaction.

Strategic Elements

• Resource Management: Efficient management of a hand of country and intrigue cards is crucial, as these cards are the primary means by which players can expand their influence or disrupt others.
• Area Control: Players must strategically decide where to place their nobles to maximize their influence across the four countries, affecting periodic scoring outcomes.

Scoring and Victory Conditions

• Periodic Scoring: The game is divided into three periods, each ending with a scoring phase where players earn victory points based on their dominance in each country.
• Final Scoring: After the third period, additional points are awarded for individual titles held by players, culminating in a final tally where the player with the most victory points is declared the winner.

Conclusion

Royals offers a compelling blend of strategic planning, resource management, and competitive positioning, making it an engaging game for players who enjoy depth and interaction in their board games. With its historical theme and dynamic gameplay mechanics, Royals challenges players to think tactically about every move as they vie for power and influence in 17th-century Europe. Whether forming alliances or undermining rivals through intrigue, each decision can significantly impact the quest for supremacy in this aristocratic struggle.