Fief: France 1429

Marry, scheme and fight your way to the crown of 15th-century France in a long, talky classic.

Designer: Philippe Mouchebeuf
Published by: ASYNCRON games
Editions by: Ediciones MasQueOca, Giochix.it, hobbity.eu, Academy Games, Inc.

Fief: France 1429 is a game of dynastic ambition set in the 15th-century kingdom of France. Everyone plays a noble family trying to become the most powerful in the realm by controlling fiefs and bishoprics. Along the way you collect Royal and Ecclesiastical titles, which give your family influence over the election of the next Pope and the next King. Marriage alliances tie families together, set the stage for betrayal and keep the negotiation going. It is a classic French game from Academy Games, with a bigger map and new units, and it is long, around four hours, with three to six players who need to enjoy talking, trading, voting and the odd battle with dice.

Marriage alliances bind noble familiesElections for Pope and KingFiefs, bishoprics and dice-based battles

Who it's for

You like negotiation-heavy, medieval politics and have a group ready for a four-hour session of deals and betrayal.

Not for you if…

You want a short or purely strategic game. This one is long, talky and depends on the table's mood.

Vibe's take

Politicking, dramatic and slow-burning. Alliances shift as marriages are arranged and broken, and the big moments are the votes.