Robber Knights

Slightly Abstract, but Beautiful

So usually in a game that features knights and stealing, I would expect little wooden meeples that look like knights. But if you can make the cognitive leap that each little wooden disc in your play area is a fearless knight who is ready to pillage away, you’ll get this game pretty quickly. And there’s plenty to get here!

Like Carcassonne before it, Robber Knights is a combination map-building game and worker placement game. But unlike its predecessor, every map piece fits, and you never get your knights back, so it’s a completely different experience from anything else I’ve played. Cast out all your preconceived notions and approach this one on its own terms, and you’ll likely enjoy this one.

The Breakdown

• Decisions: 4/5. Each turn you can play up to three times, and each placement is a choice between one of two tiles in your hand, But, each tile played is also a chance that the next tile you draw will be something you really need.
• Artwork: 4/5. The only artwork I don’t like is the cover artwork; I see what they were going for, but it just doesn’t work. And yet, the tiles that make up the game itself are wonderful; the little details in each one make the game feel cool, even charming.
• Replayability: 4/5. You’re always going to play with the same 24 tiles each round, but when you use your tiles (and how) makes all the difference in the world.
• Awesomeness: 4/5. It’s not the best game I own. But it’s up there! The combination of simple choices and complex interactions helps keep this one fresh.

TOTAL SCORE: 16/20

Bottom line: Robber Knights is a wonderful euro-style game that plays quick and feels satisfying. Even my kindergartener and my pre-schooler like this  game, which is saying something. If those little wooden discs can translate into knights in your mind as well, you’ll likely have as much fun as we do.