Il Vecchio

Send your family members across Tuscany, recruit knights and assassins, and rise to power in the shadow of the Medici.

Designer: Rüdiger Dorn
Published by: Hall Games
Editions by: Tasty Minstrel Games, Pegasus Spiele, uplay.it edizioni

Italy, the 15th century: Cosimo de Medici, known as Il Vecchio, runs Florence, and you lead a rival family climbing the ladder of power. You send family members across Tuscany to recruit followers such as knights, assassins and abbots, and to collect money, since both are needed to take control of provinces in neighboring regions. Controlled provinces grant power and a bonus action. You also court the squirearchy, because their favors open official positions in Florence, such as a seat on the town council or a noble rank worth points at the end. Every errand needs a middleman on the spot. A worker-placement game with area control and an eye on timing.

Recruit knights, assassins and abbotsTake provinces for power and bonus actionsWin favor to claim posts in Florence

Who it's for

You like worker placement with area control and a Renaissance flavor, in a group of two to four who plan ahead.

Not for you if…

You want a light, low-planning game. Many options fight for each action, and the board punishes sloppy timing.

Vibe's take

Scheming and tight. Each family member can only be in one place, so every action asks you to choose what you give up, and you watch rivals grab provinces you needed.