My reviews are based upon my own experiences with the games in question and although I do state my opinions as fact they are purely anecdotal. The wonderful aspect of my review format is that people may respond and add alternative experiences in the specific points. I highly encourage this as my goal is to help people decide if this is the type of game that will drive them crazy-good or crazy-bad.

For a complete explanation of my ratings and the points: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/article/1658869#1658869


Game: Leonardo da Vinci

Random Factors: (Trace) The deck of possible works is randomized at the beginning but a player can bid to look at the top four and reorder them to his liking.
Strategy: (Moderate) There are quite a few paths to victory you can choose in this game. In addition there is some pretty forward planning you must do in order for the final two rounds to be lucrative which gives this game a strategic feel.
Tactics: (Moderate) Outbidding workers to get the best discounts, rushing works through, bidding or not for cards, choosing turn order and more are all tactical decisions you make in this game. Once you choose a course of action it is very costly to switch midstream so the game is not very flexibly tactical in that sense.
Tension: (High) Money is victory points and you spend it to invest in hopefully getting more. Bad decisions and poor planning are very costly to undo and can dash your chances at a win. Once you know what you are doing decisions and planning ahead are sweet sweet agony.
Brainburn: (High) There is a lot to process in this game and tons of planning you must do especially as you near the crunch of the final two rounds. There are lots of ways to assign your workers and the best course is not always clear. You will feel like you had a good mental workout after a session of this game.
Analysis Paralysis: (High) Those who have this illness are going to take their time. There are not only a lot of choices but a lot of critical choices.
Interaction: (Moderate) The auction aspects of this game keep players rubbing shoulders as they race to complete their works. There are some fun opportunities to bluff and second guess what works people are going for.
Confrontation: (Low) Limited to outbidding someone and even then they still get the action--they just have to pay more than you.
Downtime: (Low) The game is designed well to keep the action flowing. You can only place workers in one area on your turn. You can only declare at most two works at a time. Each area activates in turn and the actions play out swiftly. Only A.P. will get you...
Rules: (Low) The rules were not written very clearly or perhaps the author's brain works differently than mine. I am usually really good at reading rules and I had to read these through a few times. Certain rules seemed ambiguous and I needed BGG forums to get the consensus on a few situations that I couldn't find answers to in the rules. No index. grrrrr
Components: (Moderate) Everything is of good quality. Its not the prettiest looking game I own but everything serves its function well and are well-made.
Theme: (Moderate) This is debatable and perhaps like most Euros it is actually low but one aspect that is just awesome is your workshop. Its almost RPGish in nature in that you upgrade it and make it more efficient and the dang thing really feels like it works. After a set amount of weeks it pops out an invention. I always feel proud about my workshops and I think that is reflective of some good theming.
Gateway Suitability: (Low) I have had mixed results. It is a complex game the first time you play which nongamers may have not patience for. It requires good planning and penny pinching (You can easily spend away all your VP!)I think this is more of a gamer's game.
Spouse Suitability: (Moderate) I thought she would love it but she just likes it...barely. She doesn't even understand why she is underwhelmed by it. She loves Princes of Florence for crying out loud! Maybe yours will like it better.
Fun Factor: (Moderate) Personally I love this game in the same way I love Princes of Florence. I always feel mentally fulfilled after a session and in postgame analysis I can easily track my good and poor choices. I can see how it might feel dry to some but if you enjoy cerebral fun this is a great game.
Replayablity: (Moderate) This is a heavier play experience and you might not always be in the mood. It has always provided a rewarding experience for me whether I have won or lost and I am always up for a game of this.
Setup Pain: (Moderate) There is not a whole lot to put out but for some reason it feels more tedious with this game and then a favor draft that adds time to setup. I am always glad when it is over and we can begin.
Length/Pacing: (Moderate) This is a tough one to rate because it is so connected to how well you planned and utilized your workers. If you don't stay aware the end of the game will sneak up on you and you will feel unfulfilled with half done works at the end. If you are in the zone then it feels just right. Pacing is a bit weak in that the activation of the city areas can start feeling mechanical and dry and slow as the game goes on.

2 players: Good. I've only played it this way once but it was fun.
3 players: Great.
4 players: Best.
5 players: Good. Much more challenging!