-
Offers deep game play in just 30 minutes of time
- High interaction thanks to the clever drafting mechanism. Taking a card
that the other player needs might reveal an even better card for your competitor.
Timing has a large impact on your decisions.
- Three ways to win/end the game. Although
you can focus on one specific strategy it's also very risky, which allows
for some tense games.
45
Flexibility
-
It can only be played as a 2-player game. However, as a 2-player game it's
excellent
- High randomisation during the game setup
allows for a high replay value.
- Could be easily expended with future
expansions.
25
Rules
-
Rules are explained in a clear manner with plenty of examples. A nice overview
of the cards, game setup and summary of the rules is also included
- Language independent although some of the used icons are not always clear
in the beginning. Thankfully a handy reference sheet is included in the
box
9
Components
-
The small box is filled to the brim with quality components
- Like the original 7 Wonders, it has fantastic artwork
During the medieval goings-on around Orléans, you must assemble a
following of farmers, merchants, knights, monks, etc. to gain supremacy
through trade, construction and science in medieval France.
Box description:
In the city of Orléans and the area of the Loire, you can take trade
trips to other cities to acquire coveted goods and build trading posts.
You need followers and their abilities to expand your dominance by
putting them to work as traders, builders, and scientists. Knights
expand your scope of action and secure your mercantile expeditions.
Craftsmen build trading stations and tools to facilitate work. Scholars
make progress in science, and last but not least it cannot hurt to get
active in monasteries since with monks on your side you are much less
likely to fall prey to fate.
In Orléans, you will always want to take
more actions than possible, and there are many paths to victory. The
challenge is to combine all elements as best as possible with regard to
your strategy.
Total score:
90%
A highly enjoyable point salad using bag building and worker placement as its main mechanism
Gameplay
I find this game highly enjoyable to play. - There are many possible strategies and combo's you can try during your turn. - You always want to do more actions than possible (which I find a good thing) - The bag building mechanism works really well - Little downtime. Players simultaniously assign their workers after which actions are taken in turn
45
Flexibility
- Many ways to victory - Plays well with any amount of players - Although this game is quite complex I've found it easy to teach and learn
30
Rules
- Well written rules - The game is completely language independent. - Everything is shown with very clear icons
10
Components
While the overall components are good, the worker disks are made of thin cardboard. These are very light which makes them not easy to grab. I also noticed some wear of the paint on the worker tokens after a few plays Because these are major components to the game I could not give a high score to this segment For the fans I recommend the Orléans Fan Kit, which offers a component upgrade to the game
In this blog I will try to give a short summary of board games that I enjoy and give my opinion on why I like them using the rating system in the table below:
Topic
Subtopics
Weight (%)
Overview
- Publisher - Author(s) - Number of players - What's the game about? - Pictures
Total score:
Gameplay
At the end of the day, the most important thing about a game is how fun it is - Fun - Game length - Downtime - Implemention of theme - Player interaction
50
Flexibility
- Replayability - Weight of the game (good for the die hard and/or family gamer?) - Amount of players
30
Rules
- How well are the rules written - Language dependency - How clear are the used icons?
10
Components
- Value for money - Quality of components - Artwork/ eye candy
