Stats:
No. of players: 1-6
Amount of time to play: 45-60 min
Age requirements: 14+
Set-up time: 5 min

The Premium Edition of Valley of the Kings includes new larger cards with updated art work, all the expansions, and new mechanics.

Valley of the Kings Premium Edition Description:

Valley of the Kings Premium Edition doesn’t change the game play of the series. It brings things together into one package and adds a few new elements. If you are unfamiliar with Valleys of the Kings, you can read my overview and review here. The rest of this post will focus on the new elements in the Premium Edition.

The Premium Edition changes a lot visually. The cards are now bigger (the same size as tarot cards) and have a new layout and artwork. The game even comes with card sleeves.

Mechanically the biggest addition is the Pharaoh cards. There are ten unique Pharaoh cards. Each player gets two at the start of the game and chooses one to keep. These cards give you a powerful ability you can use once on each of your turns.

Also included are six new Unique cards. They may be swapped for any Unique cards from other sets.

Since the Premium edition comes with all the expansions you can mix cards from different sets. There is a Player’s Guide to help you understand all the cards. It has a list of recommended sets you can create and rules for solo play.

Quick Review of Valley of the Kings Premium Edition:

Valley of the Kings Premium Edition gives you everything you need to enjoy the fun deck-building game. There is a ton of replay value in the box with all the expansions and different set combinations you can create.

The components for this game are great. The new artwork is excellent and the bigger, newly designed cards are easier and to read and clearer. I don’t sleeve all my games, but with the amount of shuffling in deck-building games, I tend to sleeve them. The included sleeves are a really nice touch.

I am not sure what there is not to like about this game, if you enjoy the original. The Premium Edition adds a few new things and improves almost everything from the original game. The only thing I can think of is how portable the original small box game was. With the new card size and all the sets, the new box is much bigger.

Should you buy this board game? That depends. If you are looking for a fun unique deck-builder, this is a good one. If you have the original game you might still want the Premium Edition. Do you have or want all the expansions? How much do you like and play the game? Answers to these questions should help inform your decision.

Score and synopsis: (Click here for an explanation of these review categories.)
Strategy 4 out of 6
Luck 4 out of 6
Player Interaction 4 out of 6
Replay Value 5 out of 6
Complexity 3 out of 6
Fun 5 out of 6
Overall 5 out of 6