Architects of the West Kingdom
- Designer S J Macdonald , Shem Phillips
- Publisher Garphill Games , Angry Lion Games , Banana Games , CMON Global Limited , Fever Games
- Illustration Mihajlo Dimitrievski
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play royal architects around 850 AD, gathering resources, hiring apprentices and constructing buildings to score VPs. The game forces moral choices: remain virtuous or deal with thieves and black marketeers, which is judged at game end. Rivals can block spots and slow your progress, making planning and workforce management essential. The game ends once a set number of constructions are completed.
Who Is This Game For?
For experienced gamers (ages 12+) who enjoy an 80-minute strategic euro. Mechanics like Area Movement, Contracts and End Game Bonuses provide depth; newcomers will need a solid explanation, while veteran players get tactical decisions and interaction.
How It Works
Players collect resources and place workers to build structures and advance the cathedral. Area Movement and Contracts determine action opportunities, while Events and Loans can alter short-term plans. Kill Steal elements let opponents undercut your moves, increasing interaction. Victory is decided by constructed buildings and End Game Bonuses.
What Makes It Special
Designed by S J Macdonald and Shem Phillips, the game blends City Building with economic choices in a Carolingian setting. It won the 2018 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game (Winner) and received multiple nominations (including Golden Geek nods). The virtue/vilification mechanic gives it a thematic twist within euro design.
Awards
2018
- 2020 Niederländischer Spielepreis - Expertenspiel — Winner
- 2020 Gouden Ludo - best expert game — Winner
- 2018 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game — Winner
- 2018 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2018 Cardboard Republic Architect Laurel — Nominated
Pro
- Strong historical theme around 850 AD with City Building focus
- Strategic depth from Area Movement, Contracts and End Game Bonuses
- Supports solo play (min 1) up to 5 players
- 2018 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game (Winner)
Contra
- Around 80 minutes playtime requires patience
- Multiple mechanics mean a steeper learning curve for newcomers
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set at the end of the Carolingian Empire circa 850 AD; players act as royal architects building across their newly assigned domain and contributing to the archbishop's cathedral in a medieval economic context.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on mastering core actions (gathering resources, building, cathedral progress) and managing your workforce; moral choices influence long-term scoring.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. indicates a solo mode is included.
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is 80 minutes; allow extra time for setup and learning.
What prior experience do I need?
As a gamer's euro it uses several interacting mechanics (Area Movement, Contracts, Events); prior experience with medium-weight euros helps.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its mix of City Building and a morality mechanic sets it apart from pure economic eurogames.
Is this suitable for families?
With min_age = 12 it's better suited for families with older kids or for gamer groups rather than very young families.
What mechanic makes it special?
Area Movement combined with Contracts and End Game Bonuses drives the strategic tension and interaction.
Fazit
A solid gamer-Euro with thematic city-building and moral trade-offs; recommended if you like 80-minute planning-heavy games. Less suitable if you prefer quick, light plays.
