Ys

Merchant-princes fight for control of four city districts in legendary Ys, the winner picking gems first from each ship.

Designer: Cyril Demaegd
Published by: Ystari Games
Editions by: Rio Grande Games, HUCH!, Quined White Goblin Games

Legend has it King Gradlon built the magnificent city of Ys for his daughter Dahut, with giant sea walls to keep the waves out. In Ys, from 2004, you are a merchant-prince in that city. Each turn, ships loaded with gems dock at the ports, and you place your workers two at a time in the city's four neighborhoods, deciding which area to push: the port for black jewels, the commercial area for money, or the palace for influential characters. Whoever dominates a neighborhood gets first pick of the gems on its ship. Do not forget the gem market, where prices shift. A clever area-majority game with a bidding flavor and plenty of cutthroat decisions.

Two workers at a time in four districtsMajority gives first pick of the ship's gemsA shifting gem market

Who it's for

You enjoy tight area-majority games where reading your rivals is half the work. Four players creates the sharpest fights.

Not for you if…

You want a relaxed, cooperative game or dislike direct competition for the same spots. This one is cutthroat.

Vibe's take

Tense and calculating. You count how many workers each rival can afford to spend, then place yours where the majority matters most, and the gem market reminds you that value is not fixed.