When it comes to European-style strategy board games, The Castles of Burgundy is one of the best I've played in recent memory. What exactly does that mean, you ask? OK, so it has been a while since we reviewed a serious Euro game here, so I'll lead off with a refresher.
Euro games are known for: favoring skill over luck, taking 60-90 minutes to play (with no player elimination), avoiding direct conflict between players, and having short bite-sized turns that keep players interested in the game. The themes in Euros aren't as strong as typical American designs, with players usually competing for the most points rather than to accomplish some story-driven objective. The playing pieces are generally abstract as well, with Euro games packing wooden cubes and discs rather than sculpted models.
But while thematic games are undoubtedly popular, not every title on store shelves has to be about Cthulhu, Star Wars, or zombies. Just look at the Euro shelf and you'll find games that somehow manage to turn mundane tasks such as farming or construction into fiercely competitive experiences. It can sound odd to the outsider, but trust me, there's a lot of fun to be had here and The Castles of Burgundy is a great place to start.
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