Customer Reviews

Vikings

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're into the European game craze the way my husband and I are, then go ahead and have no fear adding this one to your shelf. What we especially enjoy is the fact the game can be played within 45 min. once everyone is familiar with the rules. If you're not into long drawn out games, but still like the strategy-driven games, then Vikings is for you! I gave this to my husband for Christmas and we enjoyed playing it with family members.

I bought this game for my mom for Christmas this year. My family has always enjoyed playing traditional board games like Monopoly or Clue . . . whereas my husband and I tend to play Settlers of Catan, Carcossone, Dominion, etc. I hoped she would like it since we're descended from Vikings- and she did! My mom and sister play it regularly and it's transitioned her to play Settlers with me.

This games delivers what it promises on the box cover: at about one hour you can play a complete game.

The rules are very simple and explained brilliantly in a very well designed rules book. Components are also top notch.

It is for four players maximum.

Beware that this is no "blood battle" game. It's really a fun and family game, and also a very good gateway game intro to Eurogames strategy games.

I highly recommend it.

Vikings is a great game through and through. It's a board game. Players compete for the most victory points after 6 rounds of play. Each round consists of acquiring land and ship tiles, which you then place on your own board that you create as you go. With each tile, you gain a viking token. There are several different types of vikings. Some score, some provide money, and some protect your land tiles from ships. One great element is that available tiles/vikings sets are positioned around a numbered wheel each round, and players buy the available ones they want each turn for the cost shown on the wheel. As tiles are removed, the wheel can be turned and sets become cheaper. So do you spend more for the ones you want, or do you wait for them to become cheaper and hope no one else buys them first? At the end of each round, scoring occurs. After 6 scoring rounds, a final scoring occurs. Highest point total then wins.

Components are pretty good quality, and should last with normal use and care. Rules are very clear, and they consist of about 4 pages. There are many ways to score points, but don't be overwhelmed when you read the rules. There are excellent reference cards provided, and the board contains helpful illustrated symbols to assist with board set-up and scoring round reminders. I wondered how easily this would play when I got it and read it. Then I played, and it was surprising how smooth and how quickly play progressed. After a few turns you'll forget the details and will concentrate on the strategy. And there is plenty. The game is challenging, and the design and mechanics are first rate. It will certainly be among my regularly played games, and dust will have to settle elsewhere.

I gave this game to my grandchildren as a Christmas gift. Since I live in Sweden I thought it would be interesting for them to get a game on their ancestors lives and adventures. The game was much appreciated by the entire family in CA and I can heartily recommend it as a fun and educational games for the whole family.
Sune Svensson
Sweden