8.1
rating
Ludopedia
6.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy quick bluffing games with dice and that touch of historical intrigue, House of Borgia is a gem!
Highlights
- Quick intrigue and bluffing
- Engaging dice mechanics
- Immersive historical theme
- Fast and fun matches
Keep in mind
- Secret identity is key
- Dice luck matters
- Can have early elimination
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
In 1492, the Catholic Church is without a Pope, and the powerful Borgia family is at the peak of their influence, scheming in the shadows. In House of Borgia, you assume a hidden role and join this fierce power struggle. The goal? To ensure the Cardinal you secretly support is chosen for the Conclave, accumulating the maximum influence for them. But beware: if anyone discovers your true identity, you lose everything!
The game is a brilliant blend of Liar's Dice with a touch of Coup. Each player receives a secret identity, representing the Cardinal they wish to see elected. There are six Cardinal cards arranged in an "influence ladder." Each Cardinal's position on this ladder determines how much influence they gain each round. Using dice and cunning, you'll manipulate the Cardinals' positions, influence the vote count, and, of course, try to expose your opponents' bluffs. It's a fast-paced game, with matches lasting no more than 30 minutes, ideal for those who enjoy deceiving and being deceived. Prepare for a whirlwind of intrigue, betting, and lots of fun, where reputation is everything and truth is a bargaining chip.
The game is a brilliant blend of Liar's Dice with a touch of Coup. Each player receives a secret identity, representing the Cardinal they wish to see elected. There are six Cardinal cards arranged in an "influence ladder." Each Cardinal's position on this ladder determines how much influence they gain each round. Using dice and cunning, you'll manipulate the Cardinals' positions, influence the vote count, and, of course, try to expose your opponents' bluffs. It's a fast-paced game, with matches lasting no more than 30 minutes, ideal for those who enjoy deceiving and being deceived. Prepare for a whirlwind of intrigue, betting, and lots of fun, where reputation is everything and truth is a bargaining chip.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
BEST
4
BEST
5
REC
6
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Gamelyn Games, Talon Strikes Studios LLC
Designer
Scott Almes
Artist
Ian Rosenthaler
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for House of Borgia?
Games are quite fast, usually lasting between 20 and 30 minutes.
How many players can participate?
The game is for 2 to 6 players, working well at various player counts.
Is it a complicated game to learn?
No, the rules are quite straightforward and easy to grasp, which contributes to the game's speed.
What is the main theme of the game?
The theme is the power struggle in the Catholic Church in 1492, with the influence of the Borgia family, blending politics and religion.
What determines victory in House of Borgia?
You win if the Cardinal you secretly support has the most influence at the end of the game. But if your identity is discovered, you lose!
Is there a lot of language dependency?
Language dependency is low, with minimal text on cards and components, making it easy to memorize.
Who would you recommend this game to?
We recommend it for those who enjoy bluffing, betting, and dice-rolling games with a historical theme and quick matches.
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