# The Foreign King

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2015
- **BGG Rating**: 6.3
- **BGG Rank**: #10257
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 60 min
- **Weight**: 2.23 / 5
- **Designers**: Javier Garcia
- **Artists**: Miguel Coimbra
- **Publishers**: Giochix.it
- **Categories**: Civilization, Industry / Manufacturing, Political, Post-Napoleonic, Territory Building
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, Turn Order: Progressive, Worker Placement

## Verdict
A historical dive into 1830s Belgium for fans of politics and industry.Engaging historical themeGreat balance of economy and politicsInteresting influence dynamicsFast-paced strategic gameplayRequires attention to turn orderCan be challenging for beginnersRECOMMENDED

## Description
Imagine you are in Belgium, 1830. The country has just gained its independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the atmosphere is thick with uncertainty and opportunity. The new king, Prince Leopold I, has just taken the throne, but he has a massive headache: how to transform a rural, divided nation into a modern power? That's where you come in! In The Foreign King, you don't control the king, but rather the powerful bourgeoisie pulling the strings from behind the scenes.

Your mission is to turn this nation into a wealth and influence-generating machine. To achieve this, you'll need a solid strategy to industrialize the provinces, building textile and metallurgical factories that put serious cash in your pockets. But don't think it's just about building factories; politics are heating up! You'll need to wield your influence in the National Congress to ensure that laws and decisions favor your specific interests.

The game offers a compelling blend of resource management and territorial control. You'll move your influence across the map, occupy strategic areas, and try to steer King Leopold I toward decisions that benefit you, rather than just what's best for the state. It's a balancing act: focus too much on one aspect, and you might lose political control; focus too much on politics, and your industry might fall behind. If you enjoy historical themes with a dash of politics and economics, and you love seeing a map shaped by your strategic moves, The Foreign King is a historical journey you'll love to take. Get your strategy ready, call your friends, and let's see who can truly shape the new Belgium!

## FAQ
### How long does a game last?
Typically between 60 to 75 minutes, depending on the number of players.

### How complex is the game?
It's a medium-weight game, ideal for those familiar with worker placement and influence mechanics.

### How many players can play?
The game is for 2 to 4 players.

### Is the game very competitive?
Yes, the struggle for political influence and area control makes it quite interactive and competitive.

### Do I need historical knowledge?
Not mandatory, but understanding the Industrial Revolution context helps you immerse yourself in the theme.

### Are the components high quality?
Yes, the game uses boards and pieces that ensure a good visual and tactile experience.