King's Road

Grail Games, Pixie Games · Board game · 2017
2–5 · best 4 30 min Weight 1.7/5
6.8 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy
6.8 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

King's Road is an influence and strategy game with easy-to-grasp rules, perfect for those who enjoy quick and interactive area control contests.

Highlights
  • Easy to learn and play
  • Simultaneous action selection
  • Direct player interaction
  • Engaging fantasy theme
Keep in mind
  • Limited once-per-game abilities
  • May lack deep strategy
  • Relies on reading opponents
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
In King's Road, you step into the shoes of an ambitious noble aiming to increase your power and influence across the kingdom's provinces. As the King journeys through his lands, he bestows the right to govern upon the most influential noble in each region. Your goal is to become the King's favorite, which requires mastering the art of influence and, crucially, reading your opponents' minds!

This area majority game pits you against others on a board depicting the royal road and its key landmarks. Each player starts with an identical deck of eleven cards. The twist is that each round, everyone secretly selects three cards to play and determines their order. This simultaneous action selection ensures the game flows quickly and adds a layer of tension and strategy as you try to anticipate your opponents' moves.

Beyond focusing on who dominates each region, you'll have access to special abilities that can be used once per game. Knowing the opportune moment to deploy a powerful card can turn the tide in your favor. King's Road is a reimplementation of the game Imperium, offering an influence-contesting experience with accessible rules and dynamic gameplay. It's a great choice for those who enjoy games with direct interaction and a touch of fantasy, without getting bogged down in complex rules.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Categories

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter
Publisher Grail Games, Pixie Games
Designer Reiner Knizia
Artist Vincent Dutrait
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does King's Road support and what's the average playtime?
King's Road is for 2 to 5 players, and games typically last around 30 minutes, making it quite fast-paced!
Is the game very complex? Is it good for beginners?
The complexity is quite low (BGG weight 1.68/5), making it a great option for those new to board games or anyone looking for something lighter.
What is the main objective of the game?
The objective is to accumulate more influence than other players to become the King's favored noble, ruling the provinces in his name.
How does player interaction work in the game?
Interaction is direct! You compete for majority in each area and need to try to guess each other's moves, as actions are chosen simultaneously.
Are there any special components or expansions?
King's Road was funded via Kickstarter, which might have led to exclusive components for backers. However, the basic rules and core experience are in the base game.
Who is King's Road most recommended for?
It's ideal for families, groups of friends looking for a quick game with interaction, or players who enjoy area majority and simultaneous action selection mechanics.