83

In Messina 1347, players take the role of noble families fleeing the plague-ridden city of Messina. They must rescue citizens and transport them to their countryside estates to help rebuild and work, while cleverly combating the spread of the Black Death to earn the most victory points after six rounds.

83

The Verdict

based on 11 reviews

Positive 0%
Strong and immersive thematic integration of the Black Death plague.
Solid worker placement/movement mechanics offering a good spatial puzzle and strategic depth.
Excellent scalability across all player counts (1-4 players) with short turns.
Clear iconography, helpful player aids, and satisfying combo turns.
Engaging gameplay that keeps players' minds active throughout.
Debatable long-term appeal and limited replay value for players seeking deep, varied challenges over many plays.
Can have a fiddly and time-consuming setup, as well as a somewhat cluttered board aesthetic.
Potential for longer downtime in multiplayer games, especially with analysis paralysis.
Takes a few plays to fully grasp the game's intricacies and optimize strategy.
95
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 Gaming Ramblings, Board Gaming RamblingsVideo

This video offers a first impressions review of the physical board game Messina 1347 after two plays. The reviewers discuss their experiences, share opinions, and provide a positive rating using their unique "party popper" system.

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.
Rahdo Runs Through, RahdoVideo

Rahdo presents a solo gameplay runthrough of Messina 1347, detailing the rules and his strategic choices. He offers ongoing insights and subjective opinions on the game's mechanics and overall play experience.

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.
Talking Shelf SpaceArticle

Initially, the reviewer found Messina 1347's aesthetics and mechanics merely 'nice,' but after several plays, realized they genuinely love the game. Its exceptional balance and harmonious design, offering subtle depth and evolving gameplay, ultimately won them over.

81
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Victory ConditionsArticle

Messina 1347 is lauded for its superb, historically integrated theme and engaging gameplay arc offering meaningful choices. The presentation is visually appealing with solid components, though minor rulebook ambiguities and some visual clutter are noted.

80
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.
Cardboard Minute, Chris Yi and Wendy YiVideo

The review praises Messina 1347 as a very good, clean, and fun strategy game, highlighting its engaging choices and replayability. The reviewer indicates it is a potential top 100 game that they thoroughly enjoyed.

80
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.
Getting Games, Jonathan, Anastasia, & Nick (Friendly Ties Podcast on Getting Games)Video

The reviewer highlights Messina 1347's superb thematic integration, solid mechanics, and smooth gameplay, offering a very enjoyable experience for players who enjoy thematic eurogames and don't require extensive long-term replayability.

80
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.
The Dice Tower, Chris Yi and Wendy YiVideo

Chris and Wendy Yi from The Dice Tower provide a review of the physical board game Messina 1347. The video includes an overview of the worker movement game and their final thoughts on the experience.

80
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 Game RundownVideo

The reviewer found Messina 1347 to be a polished and very enjoyable game, praising its gameplay arc and effective theme implementation, although noting some concerns about its long-term appeal and a somewhat fiddly repopulation phase.

80
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.
Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the BoardVideo

Chairman of the Board delivers a genuine review of the physical board game Messina 1347, highlighting its unique worker movement, strategic depth, and overall high quality. The reviewer enthusiastically recommends the game, considering it a significant success from its designer and one of the best games of 2021.

80
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.
The Broken Meeple, The Broken MeepleVideo

This video from The Broken Meeple provides a detailed review of the physical board game Messina 1347. It explores the game's mechanics and theme, focusing on a deep dive into the gameplay experience.

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.
Zatu GamesArticle

Messina 1347 is a board game from Rio Grande Games, with 3+ in stock and available for $51.84.

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