Viceroy

The best way to sum this game up is to say it is a gamers' game of Splendor. Which means that if you liked Splendor, but you are used to games that are more complex, then you'll like Viceroy. The mechanics of the game are pretty simple. The complexity comes in all the different ways that you can score points. You get points for completed colored circles, magic, swords, victory tokens, bonus tokens. You are building a pyramid of cards that can be 5 levels high. Playing a card on different levels gives you a different reward that is listed right on the card. At the 5th level you get 15 points or you get the first three levels of rewards on the card at once. Rewards on various cards can be more gems, cards, points, magic tokens, bonus tokens, swords, and defense tokens. All of these in various amounts. The bottom of the pyramid can be as long as you want, but each card up has to rest on two cards below it. There are partial circles on each card of the 4 gem colors. The colors don't have to match, but matching them up can lead to more points in the end. Just one of many decisions to make. If you like tough decisions and trying to maximize strategies that you choose, throw in a bit of auctioning for cards, then I think you'll like this game. Analysis Paralysis players beware this game will paralyze you. Games last about an hour once you know how to play. Plays fine with any number of players (2-4), but I think 3 is probably the sweet spot. The components are nice, but you might want to spring for the upgraded gemstones to use in place of the cardboard ones. They have them on their website to purchase.

The best way to sum this game up is to say it is a gamers' game of Splendor. Which means that if you liked Splendor, but you are used to games that are more complex, then you'll like Viceroy. The mechanics of the game are pretty simple. The complexity comes in all the different ways that you can score points. You get points for completed colored circles, magic, swords, victory tokens, bonus tokens. You are building a pyramid of cards that can be 5 levels high. Playing a card on different levels gives you a different reward that is listed right on the card. At the 5th level you get 15 points or you get the first three levels of rewards on the card at once. Rewards on various cards can be more gems, cards, points, magic tokens, bonus tokens, swords, and defense tokens. All of these in various amounts. The bottom of the pyramid can be as long as you want, but each card up has to rest on two cards below it. There are partial circles on each card of the 4 gem colors. The colors don't have to match, but matching them up can lead to more points in the end. Just one of many decisions to make. If you like tough decisions and trying to maximize strategies that you choose, throw in a bit of auctioning for cards, then I think you'll like this game. Analysis Paralysis players beware this game will paralyze you. Games last about an hour once you know how to play. Plays fine with any number of players (2-4), but I think 3 is probably the sweet spot. The components are nice, but you might want to spring for the upgraded gemstones to use in place of the cardboard ones. They have them on their website to purchase.

I really like Euro style games and this one is one of the best I have played in a long time. I really enjoy the bidding aspect of the game because you are never 100% certain you are going to get the card you want. There is enough player interaction to where if a player starts to steamroll, other players can slow them down. Overall this game is great!

I really like Euro style games and this one is one of the best I have played in a long time. I really enjoy the bidding aspect of the game because you are never 100% certain you are going to get the card you want. There is enough player interaction to where if a player starts to steamroll, other players can slow them down. Overall this game is great!

There is a lot going on in this game, plenty of options and lots of variety in how you can accumulate points to win. I highly recommend!

There is a lot going on in this game, plenty of options and lots of variety in how you can accumulate points to win. I highly recommend!

Definitely a great little game. Every play makes you think. Tons of replayability. Each card has a possible 4 resolution effect depending on where it is placed in your pyramid. Setup is quick especially if you purchase the optional play mat. This game plays relatively quick, therefore it's possible to crank out a few games in a night. There are a few YOUTUBE vids out there that can show you the playthrough, and are worth watching. Rules are well laid out and simple to understand. This is a point gathering game, much like Dominion, and has no real player conflict. You basically manage your resources, bid on and acquire cards, and build a pyramid of cards to accumulate the most victory points in the end. There are tons of different ways to get the victory points, but since all scoring is done at the end, it is very easy to simply add up all the different options at the end. In essence it is a very simple game of maximizing all your options right to the end, but every single card you play gives you so many possibilities that no two games will play out in the same fashion. This is a GREAT buy, do not hesitate to pick this one up.

Definitely a great little game. Every play makes you think. Tons of replayability. Each card has a possible 4 resolution effect depending on where it is placed in your pyramid. Setup is quick especially if you purchase the optional play mat. This game plays relatively quick, therefore it's possible to crank out a few games in a night. There are a few YOUTUBE vids out there that can show you the playthrough, and are worth watching. Rules are well laid out and simple to understand. This is a point gathering game, much like Dominion, and has no real player conflict. You basically manage your resources, bid on and acquire cards, and build a pyramid of cards to accumulate the most victory points in the end. There are tons of different ways to get the victory points, but since all scoring is done at the end, it is very easy to simply add up all the different options at the end. In essence it is a very simple game of maximizing all your options right to the end, but every single card you play gives you so many possibilities that no two games will play out in the same fashion. This is a GREAT buy, do not hesitate to pick this one up.