Shadow of the Emperor Board Game

by Rio Grande Games

Product Features

• Several aristocratic families seek to acquire the crown of the emperor
• In the shadow of the properly elected emperor, are always those who want to displace him and become the new emporer.
• Length: 90 minutes
• Number of players: 2-4
• Age of players: 12+

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 2 x 7 inches ; 1.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0009GII40
• Item model number: 256
• Manufacturer recommended age: 12 months and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,754 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Product Description

Game Description: Germany in the late middle ages! It is a time of flourishing cities, influential bishops, the powerful popes, and a pompous aristocracy. In such a volatile climate, no dynasty can remain in power for long. Several aristocratic families seek to acquire the crown of the emporer. But this decision lies in the hands of the seven elector. 2 4 emporer candidates use their knights and cities, marry their barons, and work to influence the electors. But all efforts are useless if the candidate is not elected to be emporer. But, in the shadow of the properly elected emperor, are always those who want to displace him and become the new emporer.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A rich strategic game unlike any you've played, December 14, 2009

By 

Laurence T. Baxter "Step Up to the Call" (Indiana USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shadow of the Emperor Board Game (Toy)

It's very difficult to review "Shadow of the Emperor" because it's almost certainly unlike any other boardgame you've played. In Germany and most of Europe, board games have a far greater element of strategy, no dice rolling, and take a while to understand the rules and play the game. Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Puerto Rico are examples of excellent games in this category.

In Shadow of the Emperor, the theme is a set of aristocratic families in the late middle ages in Germany who seek to acquire the crown. Votes are hard to come by, but power lies in the hands of the electors, who can be swayed by knights, intermarriage and other forms of influence. On top of all that, you actually have to consider your barons and electors aging. You must manage your money, your actions, and your election influence.

The game is remarkably deep and rich for 90 minutes. It handles 2-4 players, but is really best with four. It's published by Rio Grande Games, known for their quality board games. If strategic board games are a new idea, you might want to try something lighter first, but if you've taken up an interest in these kinds of European boardgames, Shadow of the Emperor is definitely a fun, novel and interesting game that has become a favorite at our game table!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars satisfying and complex game, that requires 4 players, January 17, 2010

By 

P. Mumford (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:1.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Shadow of the Emperor Board Game (Toy)

This is a very deep and complex game, and it needs exactly four to play right. Once you internalize the rules, it all fits together like a delightful little clock, with multiple gears and sub-mechanisms. There is a lot of game here, and it can be had for a good price. There are strategic paths and tactical wrinkles to be discovered.

Each player is a Royal in the court of Medieval Germany, and trying to become 'elector' of any of 7 provinces. Some provinces are secular and some are papal diocese (is that a correct plural?). Each province gives its elector a special ability. One must try to control the provinces by placing one's aristocrats. Aristocrats will age however, and after reaching the age of 45, they are near the end of their lifespan. They can also marry, and have progeny, both of which benefit the players in various amusingly thematic ways. For example, if one of your electors has a daughter, you can try to marry her off to another player's aristocrat. If your offer is accepted you receive victory points, he receives greater influence. If there is no suitable marriage for her, you can send her to a convent, and receive payment from the church!

When the electors are determined, there is a round of voting to determine which player's aristocrat may be emperor. You might think that voting with only four players at the board would be trivial and uninteresting, but the opposite is true. The silent politicking of the voting is by far the most interesting and subtle part of the game. Becoming emperor is not an overwhelming advantage. It is a strategy, like several others, full of pitfalls and risks. This is a stunningly good game for four players.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very difficult, tense strategic game, August 19, 2011

By 

Nemo "nomaz" (Seattle, Wa) - See all my reviews

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shadow of the Emperor Board Game (Toy)

This is a great game for 2 or 4 people. There is no luck and there are only 5 rounds (each one equivalent to 10 years in the history). Each move is important and can make a big difference.
The game uses a number of mechanisms that are unique (to my knowledge). People are aging, sons or daughters are born depending on your actions etc.
Great thinking game!