Medina*

Medina is a strategic board game set in 1822, where players are tasked with rebuilding the beautiful city of Medina, situated at the foot of the Atlas mountains. Designed by Stefan Dorra, this game captures the essence of urban planning and architecture, challenging players to construct palaces and restore the city walls to their former glory. As the city is rebuilt, players vie to claim the most prestigious buildings and secure their legacy as the greatest architects of Medina.

Gameplay Overview

• Building Placement: On each turn, players place two pieces on the board, contributing to the construction of palaces or starting new ones once a palace of a particular color is completed.
• Claiming Buildings: Throughout the game, players will claim one building of each of the four colors. Points are awarded based on the number of wooden pieces in the claimed buildings.
• Bonus Points: Additional points are available for owning the largest building of each color and for strategically connecting buildings to the expanding city walls.

Special Features

• Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and foresight, as players must balance the expansion of buildings with the timing of when to claim them for maximum points.
• Replayability: The dynamic board setup and the varied strategies needed to win ensure that each playthrough offers a new challenge.
• 2014 Re-release: The second edition of Medina features new components and revised rules for a smoother gameplay experience, including adjustments for two-player games.

Conclusion

Medina stands out as a beautifully designed game that combines strategic decision-making with aesthetic appeal. Players are drawn into the thematic setting of rebuilding a historic city, where each move contributes to the emerging landscape of Medina. The game's balance of competitive building, strategic claiming, and bonus scoring creates a tense and engaging atmosphere that keeps players invested until the very end. Whether you're a fan of Stefan Dorra's work or new to strategic board games, Medina offers a captivating experience that beautifully blends theme, strategy, and replayability.