Novgorod
This is the latest of Stefan Risthaus's series of neat card games set around the Hanseatic League. And one aim is to develop your career as a medieval merchant. No, really: the further you advance, the bigger the bonuses available to you. The main thrust of each turn, though, is laying cards to establish a route between cities. The commodities available along the way can be traded for more valuable, luxury goods, used to fulfill a contract or forgone to generate money.
This gives you some interesting decisions on how to use your cards – and what to add to your hand. As well as buying cards, you can take fresh contracts or improve your ship – yes, more decisions. Key to success is balancing income and acquiring the 'seals' you need to win. It's trickier than it looks.
Other games in the series are: Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius.
For 2-4 players, aged 10+, playing time 45 minutes: £12.00 (£10.00 without tax outside the UK)
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