A Castle for All Seasons (2008)

About this game

A new castle is being built for the king, and lots of workers are coming from far away to make their contribution. Each player is a master builder, who will have to make a tactical choice from a number of character cards each turn. But watch out, the character cards also cause interaction, making for a surprising and varied game. Only when the points are counted at the end of the game, the victor will be known! Players use cards from their hands to take actions. These are revealed simultaneously and then resolved in a set order. One of the cards allows a player to pick the cards back up into their hand, allowing them to reuse cards previously played. Players collect resources and money, and build buildings. Once a building is built, the tile is moved to reveal spaces for workers. These spaces give bonus points at the end of the game. The person with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 2.8/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.