The Palaces of Carrara*

The Palaces of Carrara takes players to the renowned marble-producing region of Italy, where they compete to acquire marble at the best prices and use it to construct buildings. The game's strategic depth lies in balancing the cost of marble with its potential value in building construction. Players must be savvy in their purchases, as any decrease in marble prices can also benefit their opponents. The decision of when to buy marble becomes crucial, especially when considering the fluctuating values of buildings in the town. The Palaces of Carrara includes two levels of play – beginner and advanced – making it accessible to new players while offering depth for experienced gamers. Wolfgang Kramer, the co-designer, emphasizes the importance of starting with the beginner version to fully grasp the game's mechanics and how they interact.

Gameplay Overview

• Resource Management: Strategically purchase marble to build structures.
• Price Manipulation: Navigate the fluctuating marble prices that affect all players.
• Building Strategy: Decide the best time to invest in building construction.

Special Features

• Two Levels of Play: Beginner and advanced modes for varied skill levels.
• Strategic Depth: Complex decisions based on market and building value dynamics.
• Economic Balance: Weigh the benefits of cheap marble against potential gains from building.

Conclusion

The Palaces of Carrara is an excellent choice for players who enjoy economic strategy games with a resource management element. It offers a unique blend of market manipulation and strategic building, set against the backdrop of the famous Italian marble industry. The game is suitable for both newcomers and seasoned strategists, thanks to its two-tiered difficulty levels.