The Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition

Here is my heresy: The Castles of Burgundy has never quite clicked for me. I could see what the original was doing a few years ago; now, though, its rhythm feels a little like bingo making a determined case for itself. The Special Edition is such a lavish thing that I am still pleased to have it on the table, even when the game itself has not won me over.

At its heart, you use the options your dice provide, acquire tiles, and fit them into your own principality for their rewards. Its appeal lies in that gentle succession of modest successes: find a useful piece, tuck it into the right place, and watch your board settle into order like a remarkably productive afternoon at the office.

Player interaction lives mostly in the shared market and the race not to let someone else take the tile you need, rather than in direct attacks. The vineyards variant makes that race sharper: vineyards are limited, buying one for two coins can decide who pulls ahead, and at four players someone can readily miss out and watch the score drift away. It may breathe more easily with three.

I entirely understand why it is a group favourite, and why so many people rank it so highly: it is exceptionally feelgood, clear, and pleasant to return to. I just would not request it often, because the bright production cannot quite hide its age; Wild Tiled West, a related but more modern design, suits me much better. Vanilla may still be the best ice cream, but I shall probably choose another tub.

Updated session

The later play confirmed rather than changed my view. Vineyards speed the game up and encourage a scoring snowball instead of adding a balanced new flavour; we have seen what they do, and I do not need to ask for them again.