Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East (2023) Board Game

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East is a board game that takes players back in time to explore the rich history of ancient civilizations in the Middle East. From the mighty Babylonians to the powerful Ancient Egyptians, players will have the opportunity to build and expand their own civilization while competing with other players for dominance in the region.

Game Components of Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East

Game board depicting the map of the Middle East

Civilization cards representing different ancient civilizations

Resource tokens for building and expanding

Military units for waging wars

Dice for resolving battles and conflicts

How To Setup Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the civilization cards and deal them to each player.

Place the resource tokens and military units within reach of all players.

Determine a starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players will take turns building cities, gathering resources, and expanding their civilizations across the map. They can also engage in diplomatic relations with other players or choose to wage wars to conquer territories. The objective of the game is to accumulate the most victory points by the end of the game, which is determined by various factors such as the size of their civilization and the number of territories controlled.

Player Experience

Pros:

Offers a deep dive into the history of ancient civilizations in the Middle East

Strategic gameplay with multiple paths to victory

Engaging player interaction through diplomacy and conflict resolution

Cons:

Lengthy gameplay may not be suitable for casual players

Learning curve for new players to understand all mechanics and strategies

Personal Thoughts on Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East

I found Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East to be a captivating and immersive experience. The attention to detail in depicting historical accuracy is commendable, and the gameplay mechanics offer a good balance between strategy and player interaction. However, the lengthy runtime may deter some players, and the learning curve could be a barrier for new players. Overall, I believe this game is worth the time investment for history enthusiasts and strategy game lovers.

In terms of build quality, the components are well-made and durable, ensuring longevity for repeated plays. The pricing and availability of the game may vary, but it is worth exploring the used and new options to find the best deal. For those interested in similar games, alternatives like “7 Wonders” or “Through the Ages” may offer a different perspective on civilization-building games. Ultimately, Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East is a game that caters to a specific audience who enjoy delving into the ancient history of the region.

Game Components of Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East

Game Board: Features terrain types such as Fertile River Valleys, Rugged Mountain Areas, Vast Deserts, rolling plains, and churning seas.

Civilizations: 17 basic civilizations plus several additional ones in historical scenarios, with unique abilities and homelands.

Disks: 48 disks per player representing settlements, cities, soldiers, and ships.

Deities: Cards for establishing Deities of the Biblical era.

Event Cards: An all-new deck of 110 cards that can inflict disasters and defeats on opponents.

Strongholds and Fortresses: Blocks and cubes for fortresses and strongholds.

Oasis and Temple Blocks: Additional components for tactical and strategic play.

How To Setup Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East

Setup involves each player choosing a civilization and placing their Homeland tile on the board. Players then receive initial disks and place them according to their civilization’s starting conditions. The game board is divided into various terrain types, and players must strategically place their disks to control areas, build cities, and establish their influence.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Growth Phase: Players acquire, resettle, and deploy disks to expand their civilization’s influence. This includes managing limited disk supply and utilizing special abilities.
– Retirement Step: Retire disks from areas no longer needed.
– Acquisition Step: Acquire new disks based on controlled areas and adjacent civilizations.
– Resettlement Step: Resettle disks into controlled or contested areas.
– Deployment Step: Deploy disks to expand influence.

Area Control: Compete to control areas on the board to gain Victory Points.

Deities and Events: Establish Deities and use event cards to influence the game.

War and Domination: Engage in war and sea domination to sack and loot cities.

Economic Benefits: Gain economic benefits from conquests and trade.

Player Experience

**Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East** offers a dynamic and chaotic yet fun communal experience. Players must manage the wrath of gods and men, surviving and guiding their civilization through various challenges. The game is light on rules but rich in strategy, making it accessible to new players while still challenging for veterans. The game’s duration can vary from a few hours to a shorter contest, depending on the players’ preferences.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it easy to teach and start playing quickly.

High Replayability: Multiple civilizations and event cards ensure different experiences each time.

Versatile Gameplay: Options for martial, cultural, or a mix of both types of competition.

Tactile Experience: Beautiful board and wooden components enhance the gaming experience.

Cons

Limited Depth: Compared to more complex civilization-building games, it has less richness and overhead.

Chaotic and Mean-Spirited: Can be quite aggressive, with cards and events that inflict significant setbacks on opponents.

Personal Thoughts on Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East

This game is perfect for those who enjoy a light yet engaging civilization-building experience. It’s ideal for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a game that balances strategy with fun and unpredictability. The game’s ability to accommodate up to six players, including solo mode, makes it versatile for different gaming groups. However, players seeking a more complex, crunch-heavy experience might find it lacking in depth. Overall, **Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East** is a great choice for those who want to explore the ancient world in a fun and dynamic way.

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