Serenissima
- Designer Dominique Ehrhard , Duccio Vitale
- Publisher Descartes Editeur , Eurogames , 999 Games
- Illustration Dominique Ehrhard , Guillaume Rohmer , Duccio Vitale
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Serenissima, players take on the role of one of four city-states like Venice or Genoa, building a trading empire in the Mediterranean. You build galleys, hire crew, and trade commodities, influencing prices through monopolies and controlling ports for extra income. The game blends area movement, dice rolling, and trading in a complex economic setting.
Who Is This Game For?
Serenissima is designed for experienced players aged 12 and up who enjoy strategic economic games. With a playtime of around 120 minutes, it requires patience and planning. It is not a casual family game but demands familiarity with complex mechanics and strategic thinking.
How It Works
The game uses area movement to navigate fleets across the Mediterranean and dice rolling for events and actions. Pick-up and deliver mechanics are used for transporting goods between ports. Turn order is determined by auction, adding tactical depth. The goal is to build a profitable trading network through monopolies and port control.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Dominique Ehrhard and Duccio Vitale, Serenissima was nominated for the Meeples Choice Award in 1996 and won the Lucca Games Best Original Game award. Its unique mix of area movement, trading, and auction mechanics sets it apart in the economic game genre. The detailed Mediterranean setting enhances the experience.
Awards
1997
- 1996 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Combination of area movement, trading, and auctions
- Rich historical Mediterranean theme
- Deep economic strategies
- Meeples Choice Award nominee 1996
Contra
- Playtime up to 120 minutes requires patience
- Complex rules for beginners
- No solo mode, minimum 2 players
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the 14th-century Mediterranean, a time of powerful maritime city-states like Venice, Genoa, and Barcelona. Players operate in a historical seafaring and trading environment.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding the trading mechanics and port control before exploring more complex tactics.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Serenissima is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts about 120 minutes, plus setup time.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is aimed at experienced players familiar with economic and strategic board games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Serenissima combines area movement, trading, and auctions in a Mediterranean Renaissance setting, distinguishing it from other economic games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and minimum age of 12, it is better suited for experienced players rather than families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of area movement, dice rolling, and turn order determined by auction provides strategic depth.
Fazit
Serenissima is a solid economic game for players interested in complex trading and strategy. It suits groups with enough time and interest in Renaissance Mediterranean themes.
