Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan

Pack your bags and adjust your tunic, because the journey continues! In Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan, you once again step into the shoes of the legendary explorer, but with a fresh purpose. After reaching Beijing, the Khan has decided your skills are far too valuable to stay put, sending you back toward the West to explore the farthest reaches of the empire in search of fame and, of course, immense wealth.

If you've played the first one, you'll feel right at home, but don't be fooled: this isn't just a 'more of the same' experience. While it is a standalone game (meaning you don't need the original to play), Marco Polo II introduces novelties that add a different flavor to the gameplay. Expect new actions to plan, revamped scoring rules, and the introduction of a luxurious new resource: rare Chinese jade, which will be crucial for anyone aiming to dominate the game.

The core dynamic remains that clever mix of worker placement with dice, where the value you roll dictates the strength of your action. You'll have to decide whether to retrace familiar paths with a renewed strategy or risk venturing onto unexplored routes to expand your legacy. It's a game of economic management and exploration where every movement decision and every fulfilled contract counts toward your final glory.

If you enjoy games with strategic depth that still maintain the thrill of controlled luck, this voyage is for you. The goal is simple: be the Khan's most efficient servant and ensure your name is remembered for generations. Can you navigate the intrigues and trade routes of the Middle East and Asia with the same mastery as in the first game?