Its a simple 30 minute bidding game, hehe... as are most of the games Knizia's games. I've played many many, Knizia games and many more bidding games and this is one of my favorites. But, unlike Tom Vasel, I don't fall in love with every game I play. I am very picky, so trust me, this is a Must Buy!

Other games also on my Must Buy list:
High Society - Knizia game which is even better than For Sale
Kingdoms - also by Knizia
Magellan - Wonderful bidding game
I'm the Boss - Another amazing gem, by the designer of Acquire, which no one seems to know about
Caylus - Its a good game. As good as Puerto Rico, you ask? Time will tell.

These are all great games. With the exception of Caylus and Kingdoms, they are not well-known. I recommend you run, don't walk and pickup a copy of these unknown gems!

Absolutely a great game. Buy the German edition. Higher quality production, easier color distinctions, and you get a translation. But for those content with the Cheapass Games (James Ernest) philosophy of buying only the rules . . . go ahead and buy any copy of this GREAT game! Buy it, play it, you'll love it! Read other reviews. This is one game that everyone will be willing to play at least once (and then again, and again).

Many of Dr. Knizia's games have an uderlying elegance to them. Their mechanics are well thought out, and usually have a couple different levels of innovative mechanics that dovetail together to make a unique and interesting game. While some of these game are a little messy, there is no doubt of their brilliance. Want proof? Look no further than Taj Mahal. Other times the game itself is quite simple to grasp, yet using an innovative scoring mechainc, such as Katzenjammer Blues or, most especially, Samurai.

In Medici, Dr. Knizia has created a lean, mean auction game that is both invative and elegant. There is no fussiness to it at all, instead stripping down to the essentials of the auction genre. As in many Knizia games, there are plenty of tough choices to consider each round. Nothing comes easy, and since one is spending one's inheritance (victory points) in order to make each purchase, it behooves the player to make sure each ducat counts.

Between trying to maximize one's holding for cargo value and the attempt to corner various commodity markets, there is much to think about in this game. Any more layers to it would detract from the elegance and streamlined design. This one hits all the right notes. Highly recommended.