Shakespeare's First Folio

Friends and Communities with Shakespeare's First Folio

Description

In Shakespeare's First Folio, you'll take on the role of a printer in the early Seventeenth Century, competing to print the first folio of Shakespeare's plays. This game is all about strategy and luck, as you navigate the world of Renaissance printing. With easy-to-learn rules, 2 to 4 players can join in on the fun, and a playtime of 45 to 60 minutes makes it a great fit for a weeknight game night. Designed by Kevin Bertram and Kate Bertram, this 2025 release brings a fresh take on set collection, trick-taking, and worker placement mechanics. As you play, you'll draw from a deck of Plays, which features three different suits - Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies - each corresponding to the order they were printed in Shakespeare's First Folio. You'll also encounter historical personages who can lend a helping hand in your printing endeavors. The game board features five key spaces: the Office of the Revels, where you can snag the first player spot, Stationers Hall, where you can draw Plays, and the Guild Hall, where you can recruit Personages. You'll also visit the Gambling House, where fortune can smile upon you, and the Marketplace, where you can purchase resources to fuel your printing press. A turn in Shakespeare's First Folio is divided into five Acts, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities. As you collect Plays and Personages, you'll aim to build sets and runs to score big points. The game ends when the last Play is taken, and final scoring is a thrilling conclusion to the competition. With points awarded for longest runs, certain Personages, and even the most coins, the player with the most points will be crowned the winner and get to print Shakespeare's First Folio. With its unique blend of mechanics and historical flair, Shakespeare's First Folio is a game that will have you coming back for more.