Royal Visit

I recently picked up Royal Visit, and I'm happy to say it's a real gem! It's a two-player game from Reiner Knizia, known for his intricate designs, and this one definitely lives up to the expectation.

The game's concept is simple: use cards to move figures across a track towards your end of the board. However, there are special rules and quirks that add a surprising layer of strategy. For example, you have a "King" figure who needs to be protected by two guards. You can't just move him around freely - they have to be within a certain range at all times.

It's the kind of game that feels deceptively simple at first, but the more you play, the more you realize how much depth there is to it. The tension builds quickly, and a single miscalculation can cost you the game. I really appreciate that it doesn't take a lot of time to play a round, making it perfect for a quick game or a longer session of multiple rounds.

One thing that really struck me is the quality of the components. The board is cloth, which I wasn't expecting, but it's actually really nice and adds to the tactile feel of the game. The pieces are wood, and the artwork on the cards is gorgeous. It's clear that a lot of thought and care went into making this game look and feel great.

I've seen some reviews complaining about the game being repetitive, but I disagree. The strategic options open up the more you play, and the tension of moving your figures across the board, knowing your opponent is trying to do the same, never gets old. Royal Visit is a game I can easily see myself playing again and again.