8.4
rating
Ludopedia
8.0
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
The essential upgrade for West Kingdom fans looking for more tactical layers.
Highlights
- Deeper strategic depth
- High-quality components
- New gameplay possibilities
- Seamless integration
Keep in mind
- Requires base game
- Increases complexity
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Ever felt like your base game was getting a bit 'small' and you were craving more depth? Well, Age of Artisans is exactly the upgrade you've been waiting for! If you're already a fan of the West Kingdom trilogy, get ready to see the city from a much more detailed perspective. This time, we aren't just talking about ruling; we're talking about building and beautifying. The master craftsmen have returned to the city, and the Guildhall is absolutely buzzing!
In this expansion, the focus shifts toward specialization. You'll have new apprentices to train and new buildings to adorn with luxurious tapestries and stunning stained glass. The big game-changer is the introduction of Craft Cards, which add a whole new layer of strategy to your planning. Additionally, the game gets a brand-new, dual-layered Guildhall board to keep things organized and elegant, along with new player boards and a variety of fresh components that level up the table presence.
The worker placement mechanic gets a serious boost with different worker types and new ways to interact with the city. This isn't just 'more of the same' content; it's an expansion that expands the possibilities of every decision, making your turn-by-turn planning much richer and more tactical. If you love watching your city grow not just in size, but in prestige and beauty, these artisans will be your best allies. But watch out: amidst all the shimmer and luxury, not everything that glitters is gold, and the competition for the best spot in the Guildhall is going to be fierce!
In this expansion, the focus shifts toward specialization. You'll have new apprentices to train and new buildings to adorn with luxurious tapestries and stunning stained glass. The big game-changer is the introduction of Craft Cards, which add a whole new layer of strategy to your planning. Additionally, the game gets a brand-new, dual-layered Guildhall board to keep things organized and elegant, along with new player boards and a variety of fresh components that level up the table presence.
The worker placement mechanic gets a serious boost with different worker types and new ways to interact with the city. This isn't just 'more of the same' content; it's an expansion that expands the possibilities of every decision, making your turn-by-turn planning much richer and more tactical. If you love watching your city grow not just in size, but in prestige and beauty, these artisans will be your best allies. But watch out: amidst all the shimmer and luxury, not everything that glitters is gold, and the competition for the best spot in the Guildhall is going to be fierce!
GALLERY
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Garphill Games, Banana Games, CMON Global Limited, Fever Games, Korea Boardgames, Lavka Games, Mosaico Jogos, Pixie Games, Portal Games, Primigenio, Reflexshop, Renegade Game Studios, Schwerkraft-Verlag, TLAMA games, White Goblin Games, Yayoi The Dreamer
Designer
S J Macdonald, Shem Phillips
Artist
Mihajlo Dimitrievski
Can I play this solo?
Yes! The expansion includes components for solo play and even allows for an extra player.
Do I need the base game?
Absolutely. This is an expansion and cannot be played without the Architects of the West Kingdom base game.
Does it make the game much harder?
It makes it deeper. The new layers of decision-making require more planning, but the learning curve is smooth for those familiar with the system.
How long does a game last with the expansion?
Average playtime stays between 60 to 80 minutes, depending on player count and your tactical decisions.
Who is this game for?
For fans of worker placement games and mid-weight strategy enthusiasts who enjoy medieval themes and city-building.