Guilds of London

Guilds of London is a fantastic worker placement game that takes you back to the bustling city of London in the late medieval and early modern periods. You'll be vying for power and influence by strategically placing your liverymen in various guilds, building your power base, and achieving the coveted status of Master. The game's mechanics are engaging and offer a lot of depth, especially for players who enjoy area control games with a hand management element.

While the game can be initially intimidating due to the sheer number of icons and rules, it's well worth the effort to learn. Once you've grasped the basics, the game unfolds beautifully, offering strategic decision-making and rewarding those who can effectively manage their resources. The game's complexity is not for everyone, however, and some reviewers have pointed out that the iconography can be a bit overwhelming, especially for new players. I would recommend reading through the rulebook carefully and maybe even having a printed guide handy for reference during your first few plays.

The game length can also be a factor, ranging from 12 to 16 rounds depending on the player count. For those who prefer shorter games, you might want to consider playing with fewer players or shortening the game length. Despite these points, Guilds of London is a highly engaging and rewarding experience, offering a rich historical setting and compelling gameplay.

Personally, I found Guilds of London to be a truly captivating game. The strategic depth and opportunities for clever plays kept me hooked. While the initial learning curve might be steep, the reward is a satisfying and immersive experience. If you're a fan of worker placement games and don't mind a bit of complexity, Guilds of London is a must-try.