FRICO

Bora.La · Board game · 2014
Ludopedia 5.5 BGG 2–6 · best 4 20–180 min Weight 1.5/5
Buy
rating Ludopedia
5.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

A fun satire on regional disputes, perfect for those seeking strategy without the heavy lifting.

Highlights
  • Fast and dynamic combat
  • Clever regional humor
  • Very simple rules
  • Great for groups
Keep in mind
  • Player elimination mechanic
  • Reliance on dice luck
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive into a hilarious and rivalry-filled cultural clash! FRICO isn't just another war game; it's a humorous satire of the historical and parochial disputes between the cities of Udine and Trieste. The setting is the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, and the goal is straightforward: conquer as much territory as possible, navigating through neutral buffer zones like the Bisiacheria.

The gameplay is light and punchy. On each turn, you'll manage your resources strategically: first, draw a card from your faction's deck, then acquire reinforcements based on the territories you already hold, and finally, move your armies into adjacent territories. Want to launch an attack? Combat is decided by a simple dice roll: one for the attacker and one for the defender, with the higher result claiming victory. But don't let the simplicity fool you; the faction cards are the real game-changer, allowing you to gain a strategic edge or sabotage your opponent's plans at just the right moment.

With quick combat mechanics and a heavy focus on area control, FRICO is perfect for those who love conquest games but want to avoid the heavy atmosphere of real warfare. It's a strategy game with a generous dose of irony, ideal for gathering friends and laughing at territorial disputes while trying to dominate the region. If you enjoy territory-control games with a touch of humor and fast-paced gameplay, this is your next target!

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 BEST
5 OK
6 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Cities: Trieste (Italy) Series: Risk-Like
Publisher Bora.La
Designer Diego Manna, Erika Ronchin

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

50owners
2wishlist

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
What is the average playtime?
It varies from a quick 20 minutes to up to 180 minutes in more intense sessions.
How many players is it for?
It works great for 2 to 6 players.
Is the game complex?
Not at all! The combat mechanic is very straightforward, based on dice comparison.
Is the game heavy?
The weight is low (1.5/5), making it an easy-to-learn entry-level game.
What happens if a player is eliminated?
The game features player elimination, so a player can be knocked out during the conflict.

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