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.