Magnifico is a wargame of conquest in Europe during the 16th century, but with a unique twist: it begins with the assumption that the fantastic inventions of Leonardo DaVinci are both functional and available to the military machines of the great powers. Mass-produced flying machines and armored war engines fight side-by-side with more familiar armies of the period. Victory on the battlefield is not the sole focus of the game, however; players also compete to acquire valuable works of art and construct people-pleasing inventions and projects to ensure the happiness and prosperity of their people.

The game is packaged in a very large box, and is supplied with over 450 plastic playing pieces, custom dice, and game cards. Magnifico was designed by Spartaco Albertarelli and Angelo Zucca.