Coimbra introduces an innovative new dice mechanism in which the dice players draft each round are used in multiple different ways and have an impact on many aspects of their decision making. While there are many paths to victory, players should always seek to optimize their opportunities with every roll of the dice. Combined with ever-changing synergies of the citizens, expeditions, and monasteries, no two games of Coimbra will ever be the same!
2d20
Another very good title from this family of Italian designers. Certainly no need to own all of the similar designs; Lorenzo, Grand Austria & Marco Polo but we like the variability and are happy to keep them all. It's early to say but the scoring balance might be a little tighter in this design. Edit: I don't buy into what seems to be a bit of group think around the 'Purple track' being OP. I don't think this is an issue. Very good game in its own right. UPDATE, after a dozen plays - my admiration has grown. This is top tier and stands toe to toe with the personal classics mentioned above.
a2b2c517
Interesting dice drafting then bidding for cards. It's like a mix of Signorie and Madaira (for use of dice color to activate the track progress bonus). A little bit too much opaque for my taste since you can't be sure what card you will get, this is where the AP may come in.
altonu
Not as enjoyable as Lorenzo, but still a solid game. The game play is decent/good, but the theme just doesn't come through as strongly as Lorenzo.