Architects of the West Kingdom
Designer: Shem Phillips, S J Macdonald
Artists: Mihajlo Dimitrievski
Publisher: Garphill Games, Renegade Game Studios
Player Count: 1-5
Recommended Age: 12+
Playing Time: 60-80 minutes
Year Published: 2018
Overview:
“Architects of the West Kingdom” is a strategic worker-placement board game set in the Carolingian Empire, around 850 AD. As royal architects, players compete to construct various landmarks in the kingdom to impress the king and gain his favor. This game is the first standalone installment in the West Kingdom Trilogy, known for its beautiful artwork and high-quality components.
Gameplay:
In “Architects of the West Kingdom,” players take on the roles of royal architects tasked with constructing buildings and advancing their status in the kingdom. The game incorporates unique mechanics that add depth and strategic elements to the classic worker-placement genre.
Key aspects of gameplay include:
- Worker Placement: Players send their workers to various locations on the board to gather resources, hire apprentices, and construct buildings.
- Virtue and Corruption: Players must manage their virtue, as actions can either increase or decrease it. High virtue can lead to rewards, while low virtue might result in penalties but also some powerful opportunities.
- Capture Mechanic: Unlike many worker-placement games, workers in “Architects of the West Kingdom” can be captured by opponents, adding a layer of player interaction and strategy.
- Building Construction: Players aim to construct buildings by collecting resources and hiring apprentices who provide various benefits.
Components:
The game includes:
- A beautifully illustrated game board.
- 40 unique building cards.
- 10 unique player boards.
- 35 apprentice cards.
- Various resource tokens and coins.
- Player markers and workers in distinct colors.
- Detailed rulebook.
The components are known for their high quality, with sturdy materials and vibrant artwork by Mihajlo Dimitrievski, enhancing the thematic experience of the game.
Pros:
- Strategic Depth: The game offers a rich strategic experience with various paths to victory and numerous decisions to make each turn.
- Player Interaction: The capture mechanic and the virtue system create meaningful player interactions and competitive elements.
- Replayability: The variety of buildings, apprentices, and strategies ensures that each game feels unique.
- Solo Play: The game includes a solo mode, allowing for single-player gameplay against a challenging AI.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: The game has a moderate complexity, which might be challenging for new players to grasp initially.
- Player Downtime: With more players, the game can have some downtime between turns, especially as players become more familiar with the strategies.
- Component Management: The numerous components require careful management and setup, which might be daunting for some players.
Conclusion:
“Architects of the West Kingdom” is a highly engaging and strategic worker-placement game that stands out for its unique mechanics, player interaction, and thematic depth. It’s a great addition to any board game collection, particularly for those who enjoy games that combine strategy, resource management, and competition. Whether you’re playing with friends or tackling the solo mode, “Architects of the West Kingdom” promises an immersive and rewarding experience.
