This month’s features game is one that is new to me. I played it for the first time a few weeks ago at club and had an absolute blast. It is none other than Architects of the West Kingdom. Published by Renegade and designed by Shem Phillips and S J Macdonald, this game has captured the hearts of myaelf and other local players with its great blend of strategy, worker placement, and a cool, medieval theme.
Architects of the West Kingdom transports players to the Carolingian Empire, a time of grand castles, bustling towns, and skilled artisans. The game invites you to step into the shoes of royal architects, competing to construct impressive structures and gain favor with the King.
At its core, “Architects of the West Kingdom” is a worker placement game with a twist. Instead of merely placing workers to gain resources, you also have to manage your band of apprentices and balance moral decisions. The choices you make in this game carry significant consequences, impacting your standing in the community and ultimately your chances of winning.
Among the key gameplay elements are:
- Worker Placement: Decide where to send your workers to gather resources, apprentice new artisans, or contribute to the construction of the Cathedral.
- Apprentices: Manage your apprentices carefully, as they will offer different bonuses – both immediate and lasting – and unlock different buikding techniques.
- Virtue and Vice: Morality plays a central role. Will you be an honest architect or resort to thieving and deceit? Your decisions will affect your Virtue and can lead to being apprehended by the King’s tax collectors.
Architects of the West Kingdom stands out as something special. There are several reasons for this. The first of these is visual appeal and theme. The medieval setting, complete with stunning artwork, immerses players in the world of grand castles and skilled craftsmen.
The Virtue and Vice mechanic adds a layer of depth and strategy seldom seen in similar games. It forces players to make tough decisions that can lead to unexpected twists. This mechanic also combines with the variable player powers to encourage (but not demand) players to play to character.
While strategy is paramount, there’s also room for player interaction, making each session a dynamic experience. This mostly comes through the ability to capture workers from opposing players, denying them access to these workers and giving you the opportunity to trade them in for cash.
There are also multiple routes to victory. Whether you focus on constructing buildings, gathering resources, or balancing your Virtue, these equally viable, varied strategies encourage a good level of replayability.
Architects of the West Kingdom is a game that beautifully marries theme, strategy, and player interaction. It challenges you to be not only a master architect but also a shrewd decision-maker. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a total noob (and we had both at our table), this title is sure to captivate your attention and keep you coming back for more. Gather your apprentices, don your architect’s hat, and embark on a journey to build the most impressive structures in the kingdom. It’s no wonder that Architects of the West Kingdom has earned its place as our Game of the Month.
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No Rerolls 
One of my faves! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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I was disappointed when it came out because we were meant to be playing something else. That feeling didn’t last, thankfully!
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