Emperor of the Gaels (2024)

Build a kingdom, trade, and face the Vikings in this captivating hybrid strategy game with the setting in the 11th century Ireland! Irish clans and Vikings are competing for power and the island is split up between provincial kings, all of them trying to take the lead by exploring the land and be the first to take control of scarce resources. But no clan is safe from the Vikings who battles and plunder. As a provincial king you lead your own Irish clan, with the ambition of winning the game. You always have to deal with the circumstances unique for each game play and there are several paths to victory: by kingdom building, conquest or economy. The game flow follows a seasonal calendar, and through the year you explore new territories, gather resources and construct buildings and ships. You may also move your clan units and start battles. During the fair military units may be recruited and you may trade resources in a challenging and unique dynamic trade system. The numerous development cards give you a possibility to gain a variety of new skills and enhance your military capabilities during the game. Although the game contains an intriguing battle system, battle between players is downplayed. Focus for the battles is instead the exciting and automated Viking system, which includes both sea raids and ravaging Viking warbands to deal with. The game is designed for high replayability, where each game session provides a new challenge and experience. 8 different kings can be combined with 4 different clans. The development of the economy, the activities of the Vikings, and alternative development cards are also factors that make each game session unique. So, will you succeed with your chosen path, take control as the High King and proclaim yourself ‘Emperor of the Gaels’? -description from designer