Hermagor

Hermagor is a game that caught my eye thanks to a recommendation from a shop owner. The box itself isn't much to look at, with a simple brown background and cartoon castle. Even the back of the box doesn't exactly scream excitement. And honestly, the game board can be intimidating at first glance - it's quite busy with a map, market place, and price grids. It gave me the impression of a complex wargame, but thankfully, that's not the case!

Hermagor is a clever and strategic game with a touch of luck. It reminds me of a medieval version of Railroad Tycoon, a game I absolutely adore. The game mechanics are unique and well-designed, focusing on buying and selling goods in a medieval setting. The components are sturdy, though the game board could be more visually appealing. Novice players might struggle a bit with keeping track of regions and dukedoms, and the small pictures of goods can be a bit difficult to see. The rules are a bit rough around the edges, especially in the English translation, but with careful reading and the helpful examples provided, they become clear.

The gameplay is divided into three phases. The first phase involves drawing tiles from a bag and placing them in the marketplace. This is where the game's randomness comes into play, as there are more tiles than spaces, meaning you never know what you'll get. The tiles represent different goods, with some allowing you to raise prices. The second phase involves placing agents on the market to control the goods you want, and this is where strategy kicks in. The third phase is about moving your agent around the map, selling your goods in villages, and gaining production facilities. The goal is to be the wealthiest player by the end of the game, and this requires balancing your market purchases, sales, and production strategies.

Hermagor is a fascinating game. It combines the excitement of buying and selling goods with the thrill of building a thriving business empire. The game is challenging, but also rewarding, as you constantly strategize and adapt to the changing market. I particularly love the subtle, yet impactful, decisions that can make or break your success. While the game isn't perfect, it's certainly a standout gem in the board game world. I'm confident that it will find its way into your game collection once you experience its unique blend of strategy, resource management, and rewarding gameplay.