Imperial
- Designer Mac Gerdts
- Publisher PD-Verlag , eggertspiele , Rio Grande Games
- Illustration Matthias Catrein
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players take the role of international financiers investing in bonds of six pre-World War I empires like Austria-Hungary and Great Britain. Through bond holdings, they control governments, build factories, fleets, and armies, and influence wars and taxes. The game has no dice or card luck, focusing on strategic planning and shifting alliances in a geopolitical setting.
Who Is This Game For?
Imperial targets experienced players aged 13 and up who enjoy complex economic and political strategy games. With a playtime of about 180 minutes, it requires patience and understanding of eurogame mechanics like the rondel. Prior experience with strategic board games is recommended.
How It Works
The game uses a rondel mechanism determining available country actions like building and moving armies. Players invest in government bonds to gain influence and control. Area Majority and Ownership mechanics dictate political dominance while Advantage Tokens grant special abilities. Players manage economic and military developments to increase their wealth and influence.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Mac Gerdts as part of his Rondel series, Imperial combines investment mechanics with area influence and political strategy. It was nominated for the 2006 Jogo do Ano and recommended by Spiel des Jahres in 2007. The game stands out by eliminating randomness and focusing on economic depth in a historical European setting.
Awards
2007
2007
2007
- 2006 Jogo do Ano — Winner
- 2006 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Deep economic and political strategy
- Rondel mechanism ensures tactical planning
- No randomness from dice or cards
- Supports 2 to 6 players
Contra
- Long playtime around 180 minutes
- Complex rules require prior experience
- Not suitable for players under 13
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in imperial Europe before World War I, players invest in and influence the six great powers: Austria-Hungary, Italy, France, Great Britain, Germany, and Russia, shaping their political and military actions.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on using the rondel strategically and plan your investments to gain influence across multiple countries.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Imperial is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not include an official solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts around 180 minutes, including setup and explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
As a complex eurogame, it requires familiarity with strategic and economic board game mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
Imperial uniquely combines investment and area influence with a rondel mechanism, focusing on political strategy without randomness.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and 13+ age recommendation, it is better suited for experienced players than young families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The rondel mechanism controls country actions and demands careful planning.
Fazit
Imperial is a demanding strategy game suited for players who appreciate deep economic simulation and political maneuvering. Its length and complexity make it best for experienced gamers.
