Middle Sea: Empires of the Feudal Age (1979)

About this game

A multi-player† board game that recreates the growth of empires during the Middle Ages throughout the Mediterranean world. Christians and Moslems in conflict among themselves and with each other. Originally a PBM game; it involves partially hidden movement (you move "armies" and "fleets" of hidden make-up) as well as simultaneous turn plotting. Spy rings are valuable intelligence-gathering units. Areas fought over repeatedly suffer from the warfare and have their economic value depressed --a neat touch which is unfortunately uncommon in wargames. † In theory, the game can accommodate 40 players, one for each leader and its province.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 40.
• Rules load. At 2.3/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.