Opera

The Game Master BV, HUCH! · Board game · 2009
6.9 Ludopedia 6.6 BGG 2–4 · best 4 90 min Weight 3.2/5
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6.9 rating Ludopedia
6.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy economic games with a well-integrated artistic and historical theme, "Opera" might be your next passion. It's a game that demands planning and business acumen to build your musical empire.

Highlights
  • Engaging economic strategy
  • Well-executed opera theme
  • Subtle player interaction
  • Clever resource management
Keep in mind
  • Initial learning curve
  • Can feel a bit slow
  • Composer card luck
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Prepare for an immersion into the sublime world of opera! In "Opera", you're not just a spectator, but a tycoon shaping the European musical landscape between the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. Starting from 1607, with the premiere of "La Favola d'Orfeo", the game transports you to iconic cities like Venice, Vienna, Paris, and London, where you'll build grand opera houses and bring to life the works of masters such as Händel, Mozart, Beethoven, and Verdi. Success demands more than just a passion for music; it requires a sharp budget and impeccable business strategy. Each round, you decide how much to invest, influencing the order of actions and the activation of crucial characters like the Maestro, who elevates performances, and the Critico, who can bless or curse a composer. Keep an eye on the Palazzo for quick profits, but remember that true glory comes from the music and building your empire. Manage your Ducats and capacity wisely, as wealth is merely a means to a greater end. Plan your moves in advance, use Intermezzos to gain an edge at key moments, and don't underestimate the progressively scoring rounds. With 9 rounds divided into 3 episodes, the player with the most victory points at the end will be crowned the grand maestro of this musical stage. "Opera" is a game for those who appreciate economic strategy with an artistic and historical flair.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Music: Opera Theme: Music Making & Makers
Publisher The Game Master BV, HUCH!
Designer Hans van Tol
Artist Arenea Kunkeler, Volkan Baga

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,291owners
235wishlist
48want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for Opera?
Games of Opera typically last around 90 minutes, depending on the player count and familiarity with the rules.
How many players is Opera for?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, offering a different experience at each player count.
Is Opera a very complex game?
With a medium weight of 3.23/5 on BGG, Opera is considered a moderately complex game, ideal for those already familiar with more strategic board games.
What is the main objective in Opera?
The goal is to accumulate the most victory points by the end of 9 rounds, building your musical empire and promoting operas.
Does the game have many components?
Yes, the game includes a main board, composer cards, resources like Ducats and capacity, theater pieces, among others, contributing to the thematic immersion.
Is Opera a good game for those who like historical and economic themes?
Absolutely! The game elegantly combines economic management with the fascinating world of opera during important historical periods.

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