Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those looking for a light game with adrenaline spikes, combining bidding strategy and real-time chaos.
Highlights
- Very fun real-time dynamics
- Well-integrated historical theme
- Simple and quick to learn rules
- Constant tension in secret auctions
Keep in mind
- Considerable reliance on dice luck
- Real-time chaos might bother some players
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Imagine yourself in the Middle Ages, in the sun-drenched town of Noli, where life revolves around the sea and social prestige. Here, competition is the heart of everything: merchant families don't just want money; they want status. And how do you show who's boss? By building the tallest red-brick towers in town! But to add those floors, you'll need both cash and a solid strategy.
The game blends two very different rhythms. First, there's the cerebral part: secret auctions where you bid your coins to secure bonuses or, more importantly, build a new floor of your tower. The highest bidder takes the prize, but be careful not to overspend and leave yourself broke.
Then, the tension spikes with the famous Regata-dei-Reoni. Forget the calm of traditional turns; this part happens in real-time! Players frantically roll dice to simulate the race of the traditional fishing boats (gozzi). The winner of the regatta earns the right to fish in the prime spots, drawing from the best fish card decks. Those who lag behind have to settle for the leftovers and inferior decks.
But it's not all smooth sailing. The sea is treacherous, and the game introduces unexpected events, such as devastating storms or Saracen attacks, which can wreck your plans and set you back. It's a mix of resource management and the adrenaline of seeing who can roll dice the fastest. The final goal is simple: be the first to erect 6 tower floors or have the tallest construction when the game ends. Do you have the agility and the cunning needed to dominate Noli?
The game blends two very different rhythms. First, there's the cerebral part: secret auctions where you bid your coins to secure bonuses or, more importantly, build a new floor of your tower. The highest bidder takes the prize, but be careful not to overspend and leave yourself broke.
Then, the tension spikes with the famous Regata-dei-Reoni. Forget the calm of traditional turns; this part happens in real-time! Players frantically roll dice to simulate the race of the traditional fishing boats (gozzi). The winner of the regatta earns the right to fish in the prime spots, drawing from the best fish card decks. Those who lag behind have to settle for the leftovers and inferior decks.
But it's not all smooth sailing. The sea is treacherous, and the game introduces unexpected events, such as devastating storms or Saracen attacks, which can wreck your plans and set you back. It's a mix of resource management and the adrenaline of seeing who can roll dice the fastest. The final goal is simple: be the first to erect 6 tower floors or have the tallest construction when the game ends. Do you have the agility and the cunning needed to dominate Noli?
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
River Horse (Europe) Ltd
Designer
Alessio Cavatore, Tamsin Caesar
Artist
Chris Cæsar
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game complex? Can a beginner play it?
Absolutely! The weight is low (1.8/5), so the rules are straightforward and new players can pick it up very quickly.
How long does a game last?
Usually between 45 and 60 minutes, making it a dynamic choice for multiple playthroughs.
What is this 'real-time' part about?
That's the regatta! Everyone rolls dice simultaneously as fast as possible, creating a frantic and laughter-filled atmosphere at the table.
How many people can play?
From 2 to 4 players. It works well in any setup, but with 4 players, the competitiveness gets more intense.
Do I need any historical knowledge to play?
Not at all! The theme is a great addition, but the mechanics are intuitive and require no prior knowledge of medieval Italy.
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