890 Anno Domini (2023) Board Game

890 Anno Domini is a board game set in the medieval period, where players take on the role of rulers building cities and territories in the year 890 AD. Designed by Jules Dubost and illustrated by GateOnGames, this game falls under the categories of City Building, Medieval, and Territory Building, with gameplay centered around area majority/influence, set collection, and tile placement mechanics.

Game Components of 890 Anno Domini

36 Territory tiles

6 Castle tiles

12 Special Building tiles

4 Banners with their standees

18 Character cards

6 Scenario cards

2 Help tiles

1 Invasion track / scoring board

4 Kingdom boards

20 Tower tokens

12 Noble tokens

54 Coins

6 Saracen tokens

1 Invader cube and 1 Defence cube

4 score cubes

How To Setup 890 Anno Domini

To set up the game, each player receives a Kingdom board, representing their own castle and territories. Players start with a set of basic tiles and resources. The Invasion track and scoring board are placed centrally, and the Territory tiles, Special Building tiles, and Character cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players place tiles to build fortifications, religious buildings, inns, and crops on a 3×3 grid.

Resource Management: Earn wealth and collect resources by creating rows of lavender, poppies, olives, and wheat.

Character Abilities: Attract special characters by filling the grid with specific crops, allowing actions like stealing coins or trading cards.

Invasion Defense: Defend against Saracen incursions, which can affect players negatively and offer opportunities for others to gain advantage.

Objective: Earn points by raising defenses, constructing buildings, and managing resources effectively within 8 turns.

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of noble feudal lords, tasked with protecting their lands and prospering their kingdom. The game requires strategic planning and tactical decision-making, as players must balance defense against invaders with the need to build and grow their kingdom. Interactions are primarily through tile placement and character abilities, adding a layer of competition and strategy.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a good balance of resource management and defensive strategies.

Thematic Immersion: The setting among the lavender fields of Provence creates a unique and immersive atmosphere.

Interplayer Interaction: Tactical choices and character abilities allow for engaging interactions between players.

Short Playtime: The game is relatively short, making it accessible for various play sessions.

Cons

Limited Turns: The game is constrained to 8 turns, which might feel too short for some players.

Luck Element: The draw of tiles and character cards can introduce an element of luck, affecting gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on 890 Anno Domini

890 Anno Domini is ideal for fans of tile-placement games and those who enjoy strategic planning with a touch of historical context. It’s suitable for families and casual gamers due to its straightforward rules and manageable playtime. However, players seeking longer, more complex game sessions might find it a bit too concise. Overall, it’s a well-designed game that offers a fun and challenging experience for its target audience.

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