Canterbury
Canterbury review
Canterbury is a game of city building and resource management set in the 6th century A.D. Players take on the role of Saxon Lords who are tasked with building up the city of Canterbury and providing essential services to its citizens. The game is quite strategic, and you have to balance your own prosperity with the prosperity of the city as a whole. I found myself constantly evaluating the best way to use my resources and trying to predict what my opponents would do. The game is very satisfying, especially when you are able to build a thriving city and see your Prosperity points increase. The game play is pretty straight forward but the tactical possibilities are incredible. One giant hint for the first time you play- spend the first 'cycle' around the board focusing on gaining district majority- this will pay off big.
The components are high quality, and the rulebook is well-written and includes excellent examples. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master. The game can be played with 2-4 players, and there is an expert variant for those who want a more challenging experience. I highly recommend Canterbury to anyone who enjoys strategic games with a strong theme.
One thing I found a little challenging was the potential for analysis paralysis. With so many options and strategic considerations, it can take a while to decide on your next move. But this is a minor critique. Overall, Canterbury is a very well-designed game that I highly recommend. It is a great game to play with friends or family, and it will provide hours of enjoyment.