Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig (Saturday Review)

Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig is a unique and captivating board game that combines elements of tile placement, castle building, and strategic decision-making. Released in 2018 by Stonemaier Games, this game is a collaboration between two popular board games – Between Two Cities and Castles of Mad King Ludwig.

In Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig, players take on the role of master builders tasked with designing and constructing castles for the mad king Ludwig. The twist? Instead of building just one castle, players must work together to build two separate castles – one to their left and one to their right. This cooperative aspect adds an interesting layer of gameplay as players must balance their efforts between the two castles to ensure they are both well-designed and earn the maximum number of points.

The game is played over three rounds, with each round consisting of a drafting phase followed by a building phase. During the drafting phase, players select tiles representing different rooms and features to add to their castles. These tiles come in various shapes and sizes, making placement a key strategic element as players try to optimize their castle layouts to earn points.

In the building phase, players must work together with their neighbors to place the tiles in their castles. Each tile has specific placement rules and scoring criteria, making collaboration crucial to achieving the best possible outcome. Additionally, players must also consider the interests of the mad king Ludwig, who has specific preferences for certain types of rooms and features in his castles.

Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience that is both challenging and rewarding. The combination of tile placement, castle building, and cooperative elements make for a truly immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. With its beautiful artwork, strategic depth, and novel gameplay mechanics, this game is sure to delight players of all skill levels.

Overall, Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig is a standout board game that offers a fresh and innovative take on the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned board gamer or a newcomer looking for a fun and engaging experience, this game is definitely worth a try. So gather your friends, unleash your inner architect, and see if you have what it takes to impress the mad king Ludwig with your castle-building skills!