Serenissima (Second Edition)
- Designer Dominique Ehrhard
- Publisher Ystari Games , asmodee , Stupor Mundi
- Illustration Arnaud Demaegd , Dominique Ehrhard
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Serenissima, you lead a merchant family and build a fleet to transport goods across the Mediterranean. You balance trade and economic piracy, moving ships strategically and engaging in battles using dice rolling. The game features mechanics like Area Movement, Rondel, and Area Majority, offering a dynamic blend of commerce and conflict in a historical setting.
Who Is This Game For?
Serenissima targets experienced gamers aged 13 and up who enjoy economic strategy games with historical themes. With a playtime around 90 minutes, it demands patience and strategic planning. It’s less suited for casual or family players and more for those who appreciate complex mechanics like Area Majority and Rondel.
How It Works
Players select actions via a Rondel mechanism, moving ships across maritime areas (Area Movement) to pick up and deliver goods. Battles are resolved with dice rolling, and controlling regions through Area Majority is key. The game supports 2 to 4 players competing or cooperating as merchant families building their trade empires.
What Makes It Special
This 2012 edition by Dominique Ehrhard modernizes the 1996 classic by streamlining gameplay and replacing bidding with numbered galleys for turn order. Part of the Mediterranean and Cities game families, Serenissima combines economic strategy with nautical themes. Though it hasn’t won awards, it’s recognized among enthusiasts for its depth and historical flavor.
Pro
- Rich Renaissance Mediterranean theme
- Deep economic and strategic gameplay
- Tactical depth through Rondel and Area Movement
- Streamlined flow compared to original edition
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Relatively long playtime around 90 minutes
- Requires familiarity with complex game mechanics
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the Renaissance Mediterranean, where players manage merchant families deploying fleets to trade goods and exert influence among historical ports.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding the Rondel and Area Majority mechanics before exploring complex strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Serenissima (Second Edition) supports 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes; allow extra time for setup and explanations.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is aimed at experienced players familiar with mechanics like Rondel and Area Majority.
How does this compare to similar games?
Serenissima uniquely combines economic trade with Area Movement and a Rondel action selection, differing from pure worker-placement games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and minimum age of 13, it is better suited for experienced players rather than family audiences.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Rondel mechanism combined with Area Majority and Dice Rolling gives the game tactical variety.
Fazit
Serenissima (Second Edition) is recommended for players seeking strategic trade and naval combat in a Renaissance Mediterranean setting. Its longer duration and complex mechanics make it less ideal for casual gamers.
