Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those who love historical themes and influence games with a moral dilemma. The clash between the Church and Art is the highlight.
Highlights
- Fascinating and immersive historical theme
- Interesting dilemma between rules and technique
- Tight and rewarding influence mechanics
- Refined thematic components
Keep in mind
- Medium weight requires rule attention
- Pacing may vary depending on the group
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Imagine you've been called for one of the most tense and prestigious jobs in art history: the restoration of the Sistine Chapel in 1980. In 1980 Sixtina, you step into the shoes of a restorer tasked with returning Michelangelo's frescoes to their original glory, stripping away centuries of grime and decay to reveal vibrant colors the world hadn't seen in ages. But don't think it's just about painting; this is where art politics get messy.
The game places you in a fascinating dilemma: on one side, you have the rigid guidelines of the Vatican, dictating how things 'should' be done. On the other, you have your own clinical eye and the judgment of fellow experts. Often, what the Vatican demands clashes with what restoration science recommends. If you follow the institution's orders blindly, you earn points with them; however, if you dare to follow the technical vision, you might be hailed by critics and scholars, even if the Church isn't happy about it.
You'll need to manage your techniques and cards to dominate areas of the chapel, balancing influence between the institution and the academic world. It's a prestige battle where every brushstroke matters. Who will achieve the greatest glory? The 'star pupil' of the Vatican or the bold expert who saved Michelangelo's work the right way? Get ready to dive into a challenge where Renaissance history and religious bureaucracy collide in a fight for influence and artistic recognition.
The game places you in a fascinating dilemma: on one side, you have the rigid guidelines of the Vatican, dictating how things 'should' be done. On the other, you have your own clinical eye and the judgment of fellow experts. Often, what the Vatican demands clashes with what restoration science recommends. If you follow the institution's orders blindly, you earn points with them; however, if you dare to follow the technical vision, you might be hailed by critics and scholars, even if the Church isn't happy about it.
You'll need to manage your techniques and cards to dominate areas of the chapel, balancing influence between the institution and the academic world. It's a prestige battle where every brushstroke matters. Who will achieve the greatest glory? The 'star pupil' of the Vatican or the bold expert who saved Michelangelo's work the right way? Get ready to dive into a challenge where Renaissance history and religious bureaucracy collide in a fight for influence and artistic recognition.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
BEST
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Looping Games, Biberstein Spiele
Designer
José Antonio Abascal Acebo
Artist
Pedro Soto
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
752owners
126wishlist
16want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game too complex?
It has a medium weight (around 2.0 on BGG), so it's not a gateway game, but nothing impossible. If you've played a few strategy games, you'll pick it up quickly.
How long does a game last?
It usually takes about 45 minutes, which is great for those who want depth without spending hours at the table.
Does it work well with 2 players?
Yes, the game supports 2 to 4 players, keeping the influence struggle interesting even in a duo.
Do I need to know about art to play?
Not at all! The theme is beautiful and immersive, but the mechanics are intuitive and explain the restoration logic during the game.
What is the main mechanic of the game?
The focus is on area majority/influence and hand management to decide which techniques to employ.
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