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!
AmandaDesignsGames
The dual-aspect dice drafting is interesting, but the rest of the game is same-ol', same-ol'. To me, this is one of the first games that is just another Euro.
4Corners
Overall Synopsis: A relatively quick (4 round), colourful strategy game with a unique dice mechanic where you take on the role of one of the wealthy elite of the city of Coimbra, in order to get the most prestige (points). General Gameplay: - 4 rounds - each player starts with a starting pair of character cards, a starting location on the map, and a player board showing money and military (the 2 currencies of the game) income (which maxes out for each track) - each round, you: 1) draft a die - the dice come in 5 different colours and their colour and pip value is significant. The colour selected will trigger income for that particular track, the pip value is what you have to pay to use the die (there is one exception to this). 2) retrieving die - there are 4 rows, each with 4 items (the first row has special action tiles, the other 4 rows have character cards), and you resolve top row to bottom row, left to right within a row for the die. The action tiles work a bit differently as they have no cost, and lowest die chooses first, whereas the character cards must be paid for, highest die choosing first. There are 4 colours/types of characters, and each once purchased triggers a movement in their respective income column and awards an immediate effect, an endgame scoring, or an ongoing ability 3) rearrange player order (it's good to go first and this is based on who has the most crown symbols (obtained from tiles, etc), 4) gain influence income - based on your die colour, gain the income from the level you're at for the appropriate track (military, money, travel/movement on the map, points). Note that travel is very important, you have a meeple you move point to point, picking up very useful bonuses along the way, 5) invest in a voyage - you there are 6 voyages to choose from each game, and they can be lucrative end game points, but you must spend your precious money or military so it's not always an easy decision. - at the end of the game, score extra points for progression in each track, your voyages, your endgame cards, left over income divided by 2, and any banner symbols (set collection) you may have on character cards Pros: - lots of strategy, and relatively simple rules - plays fast and furious - very colourful, nice art, look to it - innovative dice mechanic - fun to get income, bonuses etc - plays great as a 2er Cons: - some of the cards are "jerking" cards, which feels out of place for this type of game and isn't my style Neutral: - same character cards each game, so not as much variability there Overall: - Great to see the long awaited return of Acchittocca (at least some of them) and this is one of their best designs to date. Hopefully an expansion is on the horizon, although there is a promo available already. Own the [boardgame=264078]Royal Treatment[/boardgame] promo.
apkendrick
Place several modern euros in a blender, pour into a matrix. It makes Lorenzo Il Magnifico look like a streamlined (and even somewhat thematic, the cards have names) game. I enjoyed my play but it’s far from my cup of tea these days. Cute art and color scheme does nothing for clarity. Visuals are pretty noisy and the iconography is not great. I’m surprised it has been so well received.