Advanced Civilization (1991)
Advanced Civilization: An Expansion Game for the Board Game Civilization
Advanced Civilization is an expansion game for the board game Civilization, published in 1991 by Avalon Hill. The game is set in the ancient Mediterranean world and aims to move civilizations from the early Bronze Age to beyond the Iron Age. Although the original Civilization board game is still in print as of November 2019, Advanced Civilization is not, following the dissolution of the original Avalon Hill game company and the sale of all rights to titles to Hasbro in 1998.
Gameplay Mechanics
The game is popular and significant due to its strategic gameplay and historical background. It enhances the original Civilization game by clarifying rules, simplifying certain aspects, and introducing new features. Some of the new features include:
– Assigning points to positions on the Archaeological Succession Table (AST), allowing players to advance even if they fall behind in development.
– Unlimited Civilization cards, eliminating the need to fight for advances before other players.
– Seven new commodity cards, making the trade phase more exciting.
– Four new calamity cards and the introduction of non-tradeable calamities.
– Eight new Civilization cards, including a new group: religion.
Game Details
The game is designed for 2-8 players and has a playing time of 5-12 hours. The map of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding lands features nine ancient civilizations: Africa, Asia, Assyria, Babylon, Crete, Egypt, Illyria, Italy, and Thrace. Players move population units across the board, taking over territories and competing with their opponents for valuable land. The game is won when a civilization advances along the Archaeological Succession Table to a predetermined space.
What are the characteristics of an advanced civilization and how do they compare to the gameplay of Advanced HeroQuest?
An advanced civilization is marked by technological and social sophistication, expansive infrastructure, and cultural achievement. In comparison, the gameplay of Advanced HeroQuest offers a complex and immersive experience, with intricate quests, detailed character development, and strategic advanced heroquest game rules that challenge players to think and plan ahead.
Computer Edition
Although the board game is no longer in print, there is a computer edition of Advanced Civilization, published in 1995, which has slightly modified rules for computer play. The game is considered to be perfect for those who enjoy long, involved strategy games, and it has a historically correct background that adds depth to the strategy.
Game Components of Advanced Civilization
– Archaeological Succession Table (AST)
– Unlimited Civilization cards
– Seven new commodities cards
– Four new calamity cards
– Non-tradeable calamities
– Eight new Civilization cards, including a new group: religion
– Rules for 8 players and late-comers/early leavers
How To Setup Advanced Civilization
Setting up Advanced Civilization requires the original Civilization game, as it is an expansion. The setup involves organizing the new components such as the additional commodities and calamity cards, and ensuring each player has the necessary materials. The rules clarify and simplify certain aspects of the original game, making the setup more streamlined.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– Simplified trade rules: Each player must trade three or more cards, stating the number and two card names but not the total point value.
– Additional calamities and non-tradeable calamities that must be managed.
– New resources and types of trade cards.
– Rules for 8 players and managing late-comers or early leavers.
– Victory is determined by points, with the largest share coming from civilization cards, followed by position on the AST, cities in play, trade cards, and tokens in treasury.
Player Experience
Playing Advanced Civilization is an immersive experience that requires strategic thinking, diplomacy, and tactical maneuvers. The game enhances the original Civilization by introducing new mechanics that make trading more exciting and the game more balanced. Players need to manage resources carefully, trade effectively, and navigate through calamities to achieve the highest score.
Pros
Cons
Personal Thoughts on Advanced Civilization
Advanced Civilization is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex, strategic games with deep mechanics. It is perfect for groups of 2-8 players looking for a challenging and engaging experience that can last several hours. However, it may not be the best fit for new board game players due to its complexity and the need for prior knowledge of the original Civilization game. If you’re into long, strategic sessions with friends, Advanced Civilization is definitely worth exploring, but be prepared for the time and effort required to master it.
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