Maria
- Designer Richard Sivél
- Publisher Histogame
- Illustration Hans Baltzer , Richard Shako , Richard Stubenvoll , Andreas Töpfer
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Maria, three players take roles as Austria, France with Bavaria, or Prussia with the Pragmatic Army, competing through tactical maneuvers and political negotiation on two map sections: Flanders and Bohemia. The game features auction/bidding, hand management, and negotiation mechanics, with secret unit deployment and point-to-point movement. You can play a shorter introductory variant or a longer advanced game with simultaneous campaigns.
Who Is This Game For?
Maria targets experienced players and wargame enthusiasts aged 14 and up, prepared for an extended playtime around 210 minutes. It is a medium to heavy strategy game requiring patience and familiarity with negotiation and simulation mechanics. Casual players and families with younger children are less suited.
How It Works
Players use auction/bidding, hand management, and negotiation mechanics to influence battles and alliances. Units move point-to-point across two map areas, deploying secret units to surprise opponents. Tactical cards affect combat outcomes, and political elements such as imperial elections and betrayals add complexity. The game simulates 18th-century warfare with a focus on strategic and diplomatic decisions.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Richard Sivél, Maria won the Jogo do Ano award in 2009 and received several nominations including Golden Geek Best Wargame 2010. It is derived from Friedrich: Anniversary Edition but introduces unique political elements like Saxony's betrayal and Silesia's annexation, blending wargame and political bluff.
Awards
2010
- 2011 Juego del Año Tico — Nominated
- 2010 JoTa Best Wargame — Nominated
- 2009 Jogo do Ano — Winner
Pro
- Deep strategic simulation of historical conflicts
- Integrated political negotiation and bluff elements
- Two variants for different complexity levels
- Jogo do Ano winner 2009
Contra
- Long playtime of about 210 minutes
- Requires patience and experience with complex wargames
- Limited to 2-3 players
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748), Maria covers key regions like Flanders and Bohemia where Austria, Prussia, France, and allies clash for power in 18th-century Europe.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to learn the mechanics thoroughly and focus on balancing negotiation with tactical unit management.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Maria is designed for 2 to 3 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 210 minutes, depending on variant and player experience.
What prior experience do I need?
Maria is a medium to heavy strategy game requiring experience with negotiation and wargame mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
Maria combines traditional wargame mechanics with political negotiation and bluffing, differentiating it from Friedrich: Anniversary Edition.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, Maria is better suited for experienced players rather than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of auction/bidding, hand management, and negotiation mechanics gives Maria its distinctive strategic depth.
Fazit
Maria is recommended for wargame fans interested in historical and political simulations. Its long duration and complexity require prior experience and patience.
