i9n is a deduction and exploration board game released in 2010, designed by Strothmann-Spiele.de. The game is for 2-5 players, with a runtime of about 30 minutes. The age recommendation is 10+.
Game Components
Modular map tilesSix different civilization-specific starting map tilesCapital city tokensArmy and scout unitsNational power and starting technology cards for each civilizationCulture tokensGreat people tokensCulture event cardsGovernment cardsTechnology cardsWonder tokensFortress and trade caravan tokensUnit cards with power and strength attributesCity state and shipyard constructions
How To Setup
To set up the game, each player selects a civilization and places their unique starting map tile on the board. Each player starts with a capital city in the center of their map tile, along with an army and scout unit adjacent to the capital. Players also receive their civilization’s specific national power and starting technology. The remaining map tiles are placed face-down on the board. The game requires careful placement of these tiles and initial units to ensure a balanced start.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Turn Phases: Each turn consists of five phases.Research: Players can research new technologies.Trade: Players can trade resources or form trade caravans.Build: Players can construct new buildings or units.Recruit: Players can recruit new units or great people.Resolve: Players resolve conflicts and apply the effects of their actions.Winning Conditions: The game ends if a player reaches the last culture level, possesses 15 coins, researches a technology in the fifth level of the technology pyramid, or conquers the capital city of another player.Culture Win: Players can win by dedicating cities to art, building wonders, and accumulating culture tokens.Technological Advancements: Players can expand their capital city into a metropolis and unlock new technologies and wonders.Combat: Combat involves unit cards with power and strength attributes, with the possibility of both units surviving the combat.
Player Experience
Players experience a deep and engaging game that closely mirrors the strategic depth of the video game series. The game is known for its long playtime, typically lasting 3-5 hours, and its complex rules, which can be overwhelming but rewarding once mastered. The game encourages exploration, city-building, technological advancements, and strategic combat, making it a favorite among fans of the Civilization franchise.
Pros
Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience similar to the video game series.Customization: Each civilization has unique national powers and starting technologies, allowing for different playstyles.Modular Board: The use of modular map tiles adds variety to each game.Multiple Paths to Victory: Players can win through culture, technology, economic, or military means.Expansions: Expansions like Fame and Fortune and Wisdom and Warfare add new mechanics and balance to the game.
Cons
Long Playtime: Games can last 3-5 hours, which can be daunting for some players.Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to the numerous rules and mechanics.Overwhelming Amount of Components: Managing all the components and rules can be challenging.
Personal Thoughts on Sid Meier’s Civilization: The Board Game
This game is ideal for fans of the Civilization video game series and those who enjoy deep, strategic board games. It is not recommended for casual gamers due to its complexity and long playtime. However, for those willing to invest the time, it offers a highly rewarding experience with high replayability. The game is perfect for gaming groups that appreciate intricate gameplay and are looking for a game that can be played over several hours, providing a rich and immersive experience.
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