Empires of the Middle Ages
- Designer Anthony F. Buccini , Jim Dunnigan , Redmond Aksel Simonsen
- Publisher Decision Games (I) , Hobby Japan , SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.)
- Illustration Morgan Crusader Bible , Redmond Aksel Simonsen , Joe Youst
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players engage with the political and economic landscape of medieval Europe across various scenarios, from solitaire play during Charlemagne's reign to the full Grand Scenario. Event cards introduce historical happenings like plagues or bounties, affecting strategy. Up to five endeavors per 25-year turn include conquest, diplomacy, and defense, influenced by leader ratings and social factors. The game uses cards instead of dice to resolve actions, emphasizing complex strategic planning.
Who Is This Game For?
This expert-level game with a duration of about 360 minutes is suited for experienced players aged 14 and up who enjoy deep historical simulations. The extensive rules and long playtime require patience and prior experience with complex wargames or civilization-style games.
How It Works
Voting is a key mechanic within this board wargame, supported by event and year cards drawn at the start of each round. Players perform multiple endeavors per round, with outcomes determined by year cards factoring in leadership and social conditions. Movement of armies and fleets and taxation actions complement the gameplay. The game avoids dice, relying instead on cards for result determination.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jim Dunnigan, Anthony F. Buccini, and Redmond Aksel Simonsen, Empires of the Middle Ages won the 1980 Charles S. Roberts Award for Best Pre-Twentieth Century Game. It blends political, economic, and military elements in a detailed historical simulation. Part of the family of solitaire wargames, it is notable for its depth and historical accuracy.
Awards
- 1980 Charles S. Roberts Best Pre-Twentieth Century Game — Winner
Pro
- Complex simulation of medieval politics and economy
- Includes a solo mode
- Historically rich event cards with detailed background
- Winner of the 1980 Charles S. Roberts Award
Contra
- Very long playtime around 360 minutes
- High complexity suited for experienced players
- Requires significant time to learn the rules
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game covers medieval Europe from 771 to 1467, including historical themes like the Byzantine Empire and Viking expansion, focusing on political and economic developments.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Start with simpler scenarios to gradually understand the mechanics before tackling the full game.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Empires of the Middle Ages includes solo rules for single-player games.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 360 minutes, requiring an extended session.
What prior experience do I need?
As an expert-level game, experience with complex strategy and wargames is recommended.
How does this compare to similar games?
It combines wargaming with political and economic simulation, featuring voting mechanics.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it is generally not recommended for families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The use of voting and event/year cards for action resolution distinguishes the gameplay.
Fazit
Empires of the Middle Ages is a demanding expert game ideal for fans of grand historical simulations. Its length and complexity require commitment, making it less suitable for casual players.
