FLORENZA BOARD GAME First Impressions Review - Undiscovered Games Episode 35

[@undiscovered_games]

Thanks to @Xscone's comment below, here are some key differences between my version and the _X Anniversary_ printing. Great info here!! 👇👇👇👇 From @Xscone: "Hi, I have had another run through your video and make the following comparisons with the 10th Anniversary edition ( know you didn't cover all the rules so some of these comments may not actually be differences after all): • The board is now rectangular and includes all the tracks. It's not as attractive as the original however, everything is more consolidated and therefore easier to get closer to. • Income is much more visible, both on the district and main board, all with a purple banner background which matches the purple buildings. The costs for all artworks on all boards are a lot clearer as are the benefits you gain. This is also true for the workshops. • Victory points now become tokens rather than paper which I much prefer. • There are 6 not 7 'Life in Florenza' cards so some artists are not around quite as long. • The game now lasts for 7 and not 8 rounds. • The church track has victory point on spaces 3 and upwards which are gained when you become the Bishop and at the end of the game. • Kinsmen are shaped meeples rather than discs. • The 'no-dice' variant is now officially in the rules. • Preacher cards no longer have a die roll and instead provide fixed benefits which differs for each preacher (Kinsmen + other) • Phases 5 & 6 have been consolidated and start with the district workshops but allows the other 'economic' actions to be taken at any time (including before the workshops). This includes the market and family business and a new set of cards where you can Hire a Captain of Fortune who gives different benefits depending on how much money you spend (negative if you later decide not to). • If you fail to complete an artwork you lose a further point if a named artist was involved. • Phase 1 District income is now 3 Kinsmen and not 4. The 'random' good at this time is decided by the Captain of the people if there is one. The Captain no longer has the option to take a Kinsman from another player but can reserve either an artist or preacher. • The Bishop now has the option to take one Kinsman from each player (from their pool and not their District board) and get an additional one themselves, but cannot reserve a Preacher. • End game VPs have changed a little. Each resource is converted to 100 Fiorini, Captain and Bishop each gain 3VP.If you don't complete the artworks in your own Palazzo or Chiesa you lose 4VP each. • If you have a poor die roll when completing an artwork, a player can choose to use the Muse by paying 50 Fiorini to re-roll. This is only available to one player per round." • One of the best changes: Of the 13 Family Crests, three of them can only be placed on the main board and each gives a different income (1x2vp, 1x Church Influence, 1xKinsman). This gave me useful direction early on.

[@newparadoxcity9911]

Your videos are the best. Here are four options for cutting down on the play-length. (a) Play the game at two players -- and place the workshops next to each other so you can easily see what to activate next when collecting resources. (b) Use the no dice variant found on BGG. (c) Simply collect the resources immediately (in the same way you collect resources in other worker placement games like Lords of Waterdeep). (d) Draw out two workshops per player and start the game with a "snake draft" and eliminate one round from the game -- this allows players to acquire a couple of additional starting workshops right out the gate (for no cost) essentially giving the game a starting boost. Combining any of the above (say, a & d above) could drastically reduce the game length. Of course, you cannot combine options (a) and (c) above -- as the first requires that all resources be gathered in the same phase and the latter requires the resources to be gathered immediately.

[@undiscovered_games]

Thanks so much for the helpful tips! I like all your suggestions. We had considered the possibility of collecting resources as we placed workers, which would basically only change the market space (that seems like it wouldn’t be that big of a deal). I’m absolutely going to try the game at 2p and sit side by side. Someone else suggested that as well, and I think that could work realllly well!! Finally, when you say a snake draft, do you mean 2 more tiles in addition to the 2 tiles you start with? We played both times using the suggested setup in the rulebook, which gives each player 2 starting workshop tiles. So are you saying to start the game with each player having 4 tiles? Or just 2 each? I also like the idea of just cutting out a round. Thanks again!

[@zumkultfilm]

Thanks for reviewing this. It is kind of a hidden (solo) gem for me. I do have the 10th anniversary edition, which has some slight gameplay improvements. And as a soloist I love that I can play against several opponents at the same time. The theme hits a little sweet spot too (as an Illustrator and Artist myself). But your conclusion is very valid and pretty spot on. It still is a huge game and I actually am always a bit tired of sorting the artist cards by numbers again and yes some small parts / icons are hard to read at times. If the game catches you a bit more I would suggest to upgrade to the new edition (I found it second hand)

[@undiscovered_games]

Thanks for your insight and your perspective as a solo player who has played the 10th anniversary edition! I will definitely take a closer look at that edition after I try this with 2 and 3 players. I really enjoy the look and vibe of the game. The art style throughout the game really appeals to me, and I want to like the game so badly! I am remaining hopeful!

[@mildmanneredmommy76]

Great review! The hubby and I loved hearing your honest thoughts. I can tell this game would be too heavy for us but we still enjoyed the vid! I totes see why you were torn on it. I like the looks of that turn order mechanic!

[@undiscovered_games]

That’s awesome you enjoy my vids even when it’s not something you’d play. That is one of the best compliments honestly! Yes, I really like the turn order thing here. It creates an interesting dynamic, especially as the game builds!

[@boardgameswithb7]

Another great episode! I used to play this at 2p with the boards next to each other for easier visuals. 6 hours is way too long haha 😹😹

[@undiscovered_games]

Excellent suggestion that I had not considered!! I will definitely be trying this, thank you!!

[@andrewwalsh531]

This one has too many red flags for us but it's still so cool to see the older games featured on your channel when virtually every other content creator in this space is in a race to be the first to heap praises on the latest "flavor of the month"! Personally I find it fascinating to research & discover the older titles, it seems to be a never ending wellspring of goodness & every so often I unearth a great one at a bargain price...sooo satisfying :)

[@undiscovered_games]

Thanks for the comment! Your feedback means a lot to me because that's _exactly_ why I do this. You nailed it. It's truly an endless "wellspring of goodness" once you go down the rabbit hole of old games. I forgot to mention Florenza's price point in this video, too. I found this new sealed for $10! I was a little hesitant to put out this video because of all the red flags, but not every game can be awesome. From all the comments here, it seems like everyone still enjoyed the vid. It was a good test run to see how people responded to a _somewhat_ negative review. I don't enjoy spending time making negative reviews, but I guess every once in awhile, it's probably good to share what I _don't_ like in games for context. :)

[@unclechad5583]

Man you did such an amazing job showcasing the game while simultaneously giving us the roller coaster of positives and negatives you experienced. You had me glued to the screen the whole time. In fact I had made up my mind fairly early in the video that this game was not for me. Yet I still ended up watching the whole review because I was so interested in your thoughts. That is a sign of a good game reviewer. Great work sir!

[@undiscovered_games]

Hey I really appreciate that! Thanks so much and I'm glad you found the video engaging! I really tried to cover all my mixed emotions. I still haven't got this played at less than 4p, so I'm still hopeful for a better experience!! Thanks for watching!

[@Xscone]

Great video. Liked it so much I bought the 10th Anniversary version which I picked up at Airecon in Harrogate last weekend. Played it with our friends at 4 player on Sunday and all 4 of us loved it. We didn’t finish it as our friends had to travel home but got about half way through at 3 hours with the teach. Length not an issue for us. We are down to stay with the friends in April, this will be first on the list. Many thanks.

[@undiscovered_games]

That's so awesome! I am glad this video helped you decide for yourself. Yes, if length doesn't bother you, this game is quite good! I am curious about the differences between my edition and the 10th anniversary edition. Were you able to notice any obvious differences yet? Let me know if/when you do! Thanks for watching & commenting!

[@Xscone]

Hi, I have had another run through your video and make the following comparisons with the 10th Anniversary edition ( know you didn't cover all the rules so some of these comments may not actually be differences after all): • The board is now rectangular and includes all the tracks. It's not as attractive as the original however, everything is more consolidated and therefore easier to get closer to. • Income is much more visible, both on the district and main board, all with a purple banner background which matches the purple buildings. The costs for all artworks on all boards are a lot clearer as are the benefits you gain. This is also true for the workshops. • Victory points now become tokens rather than paper which I much prefer. • There are 6 not 7 'Life in Florenza' cards so some artists are not around quite as long. • The game now lasts for 7 and not 8 rounds. • The church track has victory point on spaces 3 and upwards which are gained when you become the Bishop and at the end of the game. • Kinsmen are shaped meeples rather than discs. • The 'no-dice' variant is now officially in the rules. • Preacher cards no longer have a die roll and instead provide fixed benefits which differs for each preacher (Kinsmen + other) • Phases 5 & 6 have been consolidated and start with the district workshops but allows the other 'economic' actions to be taken at any time (including before the workshops). This includes the market and family business and a new set of cards where you can Hire a Captain of Fortune who gives different benefits depending on how much money you spend (negative if you later decide not to). • If you fail to complete an artwork you lose a further point if a named artist was involved. • Phase 1 District income is now 3 Kinsmen and not 4. The 'random' good at this time is decided by the Captain of the people if there is one. The Captain no longer has the option to take a Kinsman from another player but can reserve either an artist or preacher. • The Bishop now has the option to take one Kinsman from each player (from their pool and not their District board) and get an additional one themselves, but cannot reserve a Preacher. • End game VPs have changed a little. Each resource is converted to 100 Fiorini, Captain and Bishop each gain 3VP.If you don't complete the artworks in your own Palazzo or Chiesa you lose 4VP each. • If you have a poor die roll when completing an artwork, a player can choose to use the Muse by paying 50 Fiorini to re-roll. This is only available to one player per round.

[@undiscovered_games]

Wow, that is _super_ helpful! Thank you so much for the DETAILED comparison. That is amazing! It won't let me pin your comment because it is a "reply," but I will copy and paste this comment and pin it above so others can read it easily. All those things sound like improvements to the game, and it sounds like they tried to streamline some things to cut down on the playtime a bit. But honestly, of all the things you mentioned, I think the selling point for me is the use of meeples over discs! It seems that would help visualize the triggering order _much_ better! Thanks again, @@Xscone !!! You gave me some hope that the anniversary edition might be worth looking into!!

[@Xscone]

Glad you found it helpful. I have to admit to forgetting one of the best changes which is of the 13 Family Crests, three of them can only be placed on the main board and each gives a different income (1x2vp, 1x Church Influence, 1xKinsman). This gave me useful direction early on. Sorry for missing it out.

[@undiscovered_games]

No worries! That sounds like a cool change for sure! I will add that to the pinned comment :)

[@eVanDiesel]

Thanks for the thorough thoughts on this game, it looks SO good. I've looked at this from time to time over the years, but I think your negatives would keep me away.

[@undiscovered_games]

Aside from leaning more strategic and less tactical, the game _should_ be right up my alley. But yeah, lots of little annoyances that add up to a significantly big annoyance. B7 told me to try this with 2p sitting side by side, and I could see that working _much_ better. So I'll come back here and pin a comment once I try it at a lower player count. I think this might be a rare case of a heavy worker placement euro working best at 2-3p! We'll see! Thanks for watching!

[@westaylor7078]

Interesting game, reminds of Fresco and Leonardo DaVinci. 3 similar themes and game styles of various complexities. Fresco was ok but a bit too simple so it left my collection. This looks like it might be fun but I don't have the group or the time to play it. That makes me think Leonardo DaVinci might hit the sweet spot for me if I ever get it to the table.😅 I had an idea this game wouldn't be for me but your videos are always a joy to watch so I hung on until the end.

[@undiscovered_games]

Glad you stuck it out haha! I totally agree with you on Fresco. It’s a fun game, still in my collection but it’s definitely light. Leonardo Da Vinci is a great game! I have the OG version which recently got reprinted by DiceTree. I’d love to try out that new version sometime. The old one is really a solid game. Have you played Princes of Florence? Florenza gave me some similar vibes of that one too. Thanks as always for watching & commenting!

[@westaylor7078]

@@undiscovered_games Princes of Florence is on the shelf of shame right next to DaVinci!

[@undiscovered_games]

@@westaylor7078 awesome! 2 great games right there… honestly, even though Florenza is still very different from those, I’d rather play both of those 😃

[@eVanDiesel]

@@undiscovered_games do you have the Fresco Big Box? It may be light at its base, but I won't ever play it without throwing in at least 4 modules.

[@undiscovered_games]

@@eVanDiesel Interesting!! I have only played the base game but I actually do have several of the expansions. I have never tried them! Do you have any suggestions which ones to begin with?

[@thedoctor1325]

I want to love this game so bad. I picked up the 2nd Edition for basically free ($1 at my FGLS clearance sale), It's been a few years with only one play, I know I should sell it but I still hold on it hopeful that I'll play it again. Our longest game night is 4 hours so it's really pushing on whether or not it's worth brining out. I thought about upgrading the X Anniversary Edition but I'm not sure there's enough changed. I've also thought about just getting the dice version, not as intriguing but still get to keep its ideas in my collection.

[@undiscovered_games]

Thanks for the comment! First off, for $1 you can't go wrong! You might as well keep it unless you desperately need the shelf space. Even to have some extra wooden cubes/discs, it would be worth holding onto. Your comment echoes my feelings exactly. I _want_ to love this game! It has so much potential, but it falls just short. And even with it's shortcomings, I _still_ want to love it! As I said in the video, I am holding out hope for a 3p game (and even a 2p game). Some commenters suggested sitting side-by-side in a 2p game would help visually. Considering I found my copy very cheap also (not $1 cheap haha, but less than $20), I am holding onto it until I need some shelf space. Come back and let me know if you get to play it again!! One of these days, I'm going to pin a comment here once I get that 2p or 3p game logged :) Happy gaming to you!

[@MrJmarzetti]

Thanks for doing this review! I've wondered about Florenza for awhile. I picked up The Princes of Florence not too long ago. Even though they are not the same game, it seemed they have many of the same feels. After watching this video, I think I made the right decision.... however, I haven't actually played P of F yet. I was drawn in by the stunning component quality of Italian only addition, and got it. Unfortunately, I don't speak Italian 🤪 Now, I'm considering either printing the translated cards from BGG or finding another inexpensive English edition and Frankensteining the games together.

[@undiscovered_games]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I'd say you definitely made the right call. Having played PoF, I can say they do feel somewhat similar. The strategies and mechanisms are very different, but they definitely have similar thematic ties and similar ties. Now you have me curious about the Italian edition. I don't think I've ever seen it! Going to check it out now!! :)

[@MrJmarzetti]

@@undiscovered_games It's titled Principe Di Firenze from Uplay games.

[@undiscovered_games]

@@MrJmarzettiawesome, thanks!!!

[@coalitionofseekers9572]

Videos getting better and better my guy! I'm wondering if you've played any older hidden movement games like Nuns on the run or Escape from the Aliens in Outer Space

[@undiscovered_games]

Thanks for the comment! I have never played either one of those, but I am familiar with Nuns. I am not familiar with the other! I will have to check both of them out. Do you have a preference of the two?

[@coalitionofseekers9572]

​@undiscovered_games with 5 or 6 people I'd say Escape from the aliens. It only takes about 30 minutes to play, so it's a good filler.

[@undiscovered_games]

Thanks for the tip! I'll look into it!!

[@ChristophPollmann-y3z]

Great Review - and I Share the reluctancies immediately… Administration plus Downtime plus AP plus a rather washed-out artwork That does Not help But maybe Even worsens the experience … :-(

[@undiscovered_games]

Thanks for the comment! And thanks for confirming that I’m not the only one who had those thoughts 😂 Another user suggested this played really well with 2p sitting side by side. I honestly hadn’t even considered trying it at 2, but it might just work if you sit side by side! I’ll pin a comment here with an update. Thanks for watching!

[@ChristophPollmann-y3z]

I think only two players and a better overview would definitely make it more fun :-) @@undiscovered_games

[@diamondmeeple]

Hmmmm, 7?

[@undiscovered_games]

Exactly my thoughts... it's a big "hmmmmmmm," but the fact I can't stop thinking about the game means there's a good game in there somewhere. I'm just trying to find it. I suspect lower player counts might solve that. We will see what happens! Thanks for watching as always!