While Victoria may have given her name to (much of) the era portrayed in the game thanks to her longevity, I think it's fair to say that the era's star was Bismarck. In that sense, I dare say him being in the forefront is most appropriate.
BTW, I'd have gone with the name A PLACE IN THE SUN rather than ole Vicky, but hey, then at least that even better title isn't taken for a boardgame I fancy designing on the subject one day.
But I digress...
On another level, I do welcome that the cover's relatively cohesive. Too many board- and computergame covers are marred by the lets-put-lots-of-stuff-on-it syndrome. A very inartful and hamfisted way of doing stuff. On striking image is quite enough (I'm a big fan of the FIRE IN THE SKY cover, which brought Japanese-style minimalism to the cover of a WW2 PTO game).
As for Prussian/German soldiers battling US ones, I dare say it suggests quite succinctly that this game's rooted in history, but allows you to also chart a course that departs from how events actually played out..
Perhaps casting Bismarck in a rather unfamiliar martial role is a necessary concession to customers' tastes. I'd have preferred seeing him at the Berlin Conference or such (i.e. in his true element), but - well - games have to look wargamey on shelves, no doubt.
Also, I dare say playing Prussia/Germany will be the most popular country to play in this game. After all, the state's historical trajectory is amongst the most interesting. So having the ole Prussian flag and statesman gracing the cover makes sense.
All-in-all, I think the cover conveys the sophistication and rootedness in history which happens to be a trademark of Paradox games.
To my mind, the cover has a striking impact on a shop's shelves. A single moody image is an eye-catcher. The palette isn't busy, but striking. Didn't take me long to spot it along the crowded aisle, when I went to buy my copy.
Speaking of which, I must say I'm struck how many Paradox titles were to be found prominently displayed on the shelves. Paradox sure has a good presence here in Germany!
Okay, now gotta read the strategy guide before I launch myself into my very first game! Been reading up on Dutch history lately as I've resolved the Netherlands would make an excellent and fascinating first country to play. Compact, a revisionist cause (Belgium etc), a colonial stake and a great past to live up to.
Anyway, how do you rate the cover? Does it compare favourably to previous Paradox covers?
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Sorry, afraid I posted this in the wrong folder, but fail to see how I can undo that mistake of mine.
BTW, I'd have gone with the name A PLACE IN THE SUN rather than ole Vicky, but hey, then at least that even better title isn't taken for a boardgame I fancy designing on the subject one day.
But I digress...On another level, I do welcome that the cover's relatively cohesive. Too many board- and computergame covers are marred by the lets-put-lots-of-stuff-on-it syndrome. A very inartful and hamfisted way of doing stuff. On striking image is quite enough (I'm a big fan of the FIRE IN THE SKY cover, which brought Japanese-style minimalism to the cover of a WW2 PTO game).
As for Prussian/German soldiers battling US ones, I dare say it suggests quite succinctly that this game's rooted in history, but allows you to also chart a course that departs from how events actually played out..
Perhaps casting Bismarck in a rather unfamiliar martial role is a necessary concession to customers' tastes. I'd have preferred seeing him at the Berlin Conference or such (i.e. in his true element), but - well - games have to look wargamey on shelves, no doubt.
Also, I dare say playing Prussia/Germany will be the most popular country to play in this game. After all, the state's historical trajectory is amongst the most interesting. So having the ole Prussian flag and statesman gracing the cover makes sense.
All-in-all, I think the cover conveys the sophistication and rootedness in history which happens to be a trademark of Paradox games.
To my mind, the cover has a striking impact on a shop's shelves. A single moody image is an eye-catcher. The palette isn't busy, but striking. Didn't take me long to spot it along the crowded aisle, when I went to buy my copy.
Speaking of which, I must say I'm struck how many Paradox titles were to be found prominently displayed on the shelves. Paradox sure has a good presence here in Germany!
Okay, now gotta read the strategy guide before I launch myself into my very first game! Been reading up on Dutch history lately as I've resolved the Netherlands would make an excellent and fascinating first country to play. Compact, a revisionist cause (Belgium etc), a colonial stake and a great past to live up to.
Anyway, how do you rate the cover? Does it compare favourably to previous Paradox covers?
---
Sorry, afraid I posted this in the wrong folder, but fail to see how I can undo that mistake of mine.