Virgin Queen

Virgin Queen is a truly grand strategy game that takes place in 16th-century Europe. It's a sequel to "Here I Stand" and shares many similarities, but the new features really make it stand out. The game is very complex, and I definitely recommend reading the rules a few times before playing. The first time I played, I was confused by some of the mechanics, and I definitely had to re-read the rules a few times during the game. I felt a bit overwhelmed at times, but I do feel like it added to the depth and complexity of the game.

The game is great for anyone who enjoys deep strategy games. There are lots of different paths to victory, with several different ways to earn victory points beyond just winning wars. You can get victory points through diplomatic influence, religious struggles, and even by supporting artists and scientists. I really enjoyed this aspect of the game as it added an element of intrigue and negotiation that I hadn't expected.

The game is definitely not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to spend a good chunk of time playing a game. We had a group of six play, and it took us about eight hours. But if you're looking for a challenging and rewarding game, Virgin Queen is definitely worth checking out.