Athens (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Athens is a board game released in 2018, designed by Carolmind and illustrated by Baccum Inc. It falls under the categories of Ancient, Card Game, City Building, Dice, and Economic. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a runtime of 30-50 minutes and is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Athens

Game board

Player tokens and markers

Resource cards

Political cards

War cards

Government cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Athens

Setting up Athens involves placing the game board in the middle of the playing area, distributing the player tokens and markers, and shuffling the various card decks. Each player selects a role and receives the corresponding cards and resources. The game also includes a quick-start guide to help new players get started.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Cooperative and competitive play, resource management, card drafting, and area control.

Game Objective: Players must balance managing Athens’ politics, wars, and government to ensure the city’s prosperity. The goal is to manage these aspects effectively, making decisions that benefit both individual players and the collective well-being of Athens.
– Manage resources to support political, military, and governmental actions.
– Draft cards to influence politics, wage wars, and govern the city.
– Control key areas on the board to assert dominance.

Player Experience

Playing Athens requires a delicate balance between individual ambitions and the greater good of the city. Players must constantly make decisions that impact the city’s fortunes, navigating the complexities of ancient Athenian politics and warfare. The game encourages strategic thinking, planning, and adaptation to changing circumstances.

Pros

Balanced Gameplay: Combines cooperative and competitive elements, making it engaging for a variety of players.

Historical Theme: Offers a unique glimpse into the politics and governance of ancient Athens.

Replay Value: Different card combinations and player roles ensure high replayability.

Educational: Players can learn about ancient Greek history and politics through gameplay.

Cons

Rule Complexity: The game has a learning curve due to the numerous card types and game mechanics.

Setup Time: Initial setup can be time-consuming due to the need to organize and distribute various components.

Personal Thoughts on Athens

Athens is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a historical twist. It is suitable for those interested in ancient Greek history and politics, as well as for players who appreciate the challenge of balancing individual goals with collective success. The game’s blend of cooperation and competition makes it a great addition to any board game collection, offering a unique and engaging experience for history buffs and strategy enthusiasts alike.

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