Valletta
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 80 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.3 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
Valletta puts players in the sandals of merchants inspired by Jean Parisot de Valette, gathering raw materials and hiring merchants, bricklayers, and roofers to build their own version of Malta's future capital. Deck and hand management combine with a modular board as players cultivate reputation with the Order of Malta while racing to erect bastions and baroque buildings. A wandering building inspector patrols the streets, and when his patrol ends, so does the game. Designed by Stefan Dorra, it's a mid-weight city-building game for 2-4 players set in Renaissance Malta.
Hobbli's Notes
Valletta gives city-building fans a fresh historical setting with the Knights of Malta, and the wandering inspector mechanic creates a natural, unpredictable end-game timer that keeps players on their toes. Stefan Dorra's design sensibilities shine through in the tight hand-management decisions each turn requires.
What we like
- The wandering inspector adds unpredictability to the game's ending.
- Hand management and modular board combine for varied strategies.
- Distinctive Maltese historical setting stands out among city builders.
- Reasonable 80-minute playtime suits a regular game night.
Keep in mind
- Take-that elements can disrupt carefully laid plans.
- City-building theme is common in the genre, so it may feel familiar.
- Downtime grade suggests some waiting between turns.
Who it's for
Good for strategy gamers ages 10+ who enjoy city-building and hand-management games; best in groups of 2-4.
