The Palace of Mad King Ludwig

I recently got my hands on The Palace of Mad King Ludwig and I have to say, it's a game that's both captivating and a bit overwhelming. The concept is simple: you're all architects building a palace for the eccentric King Ludwig II. You place tiles to create rooms, hallways, and even basements, all while a moat slowly closes in, adding a sense of urgency.

While the rules are easy to grasp, the game really shines in its depth of strategy. There are so many different ways to score points, from completing rooms to collecting sets of swans, which act as currency and points. It's definitely a game where you need to think ahead and consider how your choices will affect the other players.

One thing that struck me is the amount of player interaction. Unlike its predecessor, Castles of Mad King Ludwig, where you build your own castle in isolation, here everyone is working on the same palace. This can lead to some fun moments of blocking your opponents or cleverly helping them complete rooms that benefit you.

However, the game does have its drawbacks. The sheer number of components can be a bit daunting, especially for new players. And the game can take a while to set up, with all the little swans and tokens to sort.

Overall, I'd say The Palace of Mad King Ludwig is a solid game, particularly if you enjoy tile-laying games with a strategic twist. It's not for everyone, especially if you're looking for a quick and easy game. But if you're willing to invest some time and effort, it can be a rewarding experience.