86

Medici is a classic auction game where players bid on lots of goods cards to fill their ships and score points. Players compete over three rounds, earning points for the most valuable cargo and for having the most goods of each type, creating tension between spending money and maximizing scoring opportunities.

86

The Verdict

based on 12 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Simple rules that are easy to learn and teach.
Offers deep strategic depth and meaningful decisions despite its simplicity.
Features a tense "money is points" auction mechanic where currency doubles as victory points.
Provides high player interaction and engagement throughout the bidding process.
Plays quickly and scales well, offering its best experience with 4-6 players.
The two-player experience is often considered less satisfying and more luck-dependent than with higher player counts.
Some editions have minor component issues, such as oversized ship tokens, indistinct scoring track lines, or similar colors for certain commodities.
The one-shot bidding system can be intimidating for new players to master.
100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Board Game QuestArticle

Steamforged Games' new edition of Medici brings the classic Reiner Knizia auction game back into print with appealing artwork and solid components. It offers tense economic gameplay where money serves as both currency and victory points, making it a timeless Eurogame classic.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Gamers AnonymousArticle

This Grail Games edition successfully revitalizes a classic, tight auction game with gorgeous Vincent Dutrait artwork, though the dark score track can be hard to read.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Tabletop Games BlogArticle

Medici is a classic, fast-paced auction and set-collection game driven by tense bidding and bluffing. While the new production boasts gorgeous components, confusing color mismatches between the board and cards slightly hinder gameplay.

90
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
I Slay the Dragon, FarmerLennyArticle

Medici is an exceptionally tense and exciting auction game that combines simple rules with deep player interaction and agonizing choices regarding ship space and push-your-luck tile draws.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Drive Thru GamesVideo

This video from Drive Thru Games offers a dedicated review of the physical board game Medici. It likely covers gameplay mechanics, components, and provides an overall assessment of the game.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
BoardGameBollocks, BoardGameBollocksVideo

The video reviews "Medici," calling it a classic, highly recommended auction game. It notes the new version's aesthetic upgrade, but suggests it missed opportunities for variants to improve its abstract gameplay.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
GamesRadar+, Samantha NelsonArticle

GamesRadar+ praises "Medici" as a classic board game that skillfully combines strategic depth for enthusiasts with accessible mechanics for casual players, particularly excelling in its dynamic auctions and fast-paced gameplay with a full table of six.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Gameosity, Josh and AndrewArticle

Gameosity considers Medici an excellent and solid filler game, deserving of its classic status, despite minor criticisms regarding its non-existent theme and a hard-to-read score track.

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Gaming with Edo & Jessica, EdoVideo

The reviewer found Medici: The Card Game to be a really nice, fast-paced game that effectively evokes the feel of the original Medici board game without its sometimes slow auction mechanics. He generally likes it, despite finding it a bit dry.

80
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Roll To Review, David NorrisArticle

Medici is a brilliant and tense auction game where players balance spending their score-as-currency against the need to win goods and majority awards. Despite its simple rules, it offers profound, calculated decision-making.

70
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
BoardGameCo, BoardGameCoVideo

The review discusses the Reiner Knizia auction game "Medici", covering its simple, clever gameplay, suitability for various player counts, and the tension of bidding. It highlights the ease of teaching and playing, while noting potential issues like rounds lacking depth and limited variety.

50
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Purge Reviews, Purge ReviewsVideo

Purge Reviews examines the classic auction game Medici, finding it to be a streamlined but ultimately too simple experience that no longer holds up for their collection. Despite acknowledging its classic design, the reviewer decides to 'purge' the game, feeling it lacks depth for modern tastes.

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