Description

The solo mode for Architects of the West Kingdom is controlled by what the designer calls the "Scheme Deck".

The game is played as a 2-player game with an AI opponent with 2 difficulty settings. After your turn, you turn over the top card of the Scheme Deck, and place a worker on the spot denoted by the card. Additionally, you will activate a corresponding action that is slightly different for the AI opponent. This action is clearly described on the card.

Unlike some other AI decks, this is not merely a blocking mechanism. Most times, you aren't getting blocked since many of the spaces on the board accommodate multiple workers, however you have to adjust your play style to what the AI is doing. Are they raising their Virtue so much that you have to account for that? Are they building aggressively in the cathedral? Are they actively capturing your workers and sending them to prison? Are they conducting dirty deals at the Black Market, and causing havoc as a result?

All of these potential actions can be taken by the AI, and it's done in such a simple to administer manner that you can really focus on how to counter their movements.

--description by Mike DiLisio