Mosaic: A Story of Civilization (2022) Board Game

Mosaic: A Story of Civilization is a board game designed by Glenn Drover and published by Forbidden Games in in 2022. The game is set in ancient times and focuses on building civilizations through economic and territory-building strategies. With stunning artwork by Jared Blando, Hendrik Noack, Jacoby O’Connor, and Grzegorz Pedrycz, Mosaic promises a visually immersive experience for players.

Game Components of Mosaic: A Story of Civilization

Game Board

1-6 Player Boards

196 Cards (including Build, Population, Tax/Tariffs, and Technology decks)

39 Large Tiles

555 Small Tiles

60 Wooden Cubes

Starting Player Token

Instructions

105 unique Technology cards

9 asymmetrical leader powers.

How To Setup Mosaic: A Story of Civilization

Setup involves selecting one of the nine asymmetrical leaders to command your civilization and drafting starting technologies. The game board is arranged with a map containing distinct regions filled with treasure tiles and trade goods. The edges of the map feature rows of face-up cards from four decks: Build, Population, Tax/Tariffs, and Technology. Players must also set up the Empire Scoring cards within the decks and prepare the various game components such as cities, towns, wonders, and military units.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Selection: Players can choose one of eight available actions each turn, such as acquiring resources, buying cards, building structures, or increasing population.

Area Control: Players control regions on the map by placing cities, towns, wonders, and military units.

Engine Building: Players build their civilization through technology cards and other resources.

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most influence points by controlling regions, building wonders, achieving civilization achievements, and acquiring Golden Age tiles. The game ends when three Empire Scoring cards are revealed from the decks or when specific milestones (Wonders, Civilization Achievements, Golden Ages) are achieved.

Player Experience

Mosaic offers a competitive yet streamlined experience, differing from traditional civilization games by focusing on action selection and area control rather than combat. Players must make tactical decisions on short-term goals and manage resources effectively. The game provides a high level of replayability due to the unique leader powers and the variable setup of the card decks. However, it can be intimidating for newcomers due to the diverse scoring options and the lack of guidance in the initial playthroughs.

Pros

Multiple Paths to Victory: Players can achieve points through various means such as controlling regions, building wonders, achieving civilization achievements, and acquiring technology cards.

Asymmetrical Leaders: Each leader provides unique starting bonuses and special powers, adding variety to each play.

Impactful Actions: Every action feels beneficial, contributing to the player’s overall strategy.

High Replayability: The game’s setup and leader powers ensure each game is distinct.

Cons

Complex Initial Setup: The game requires a lengthy setup and can be overwhelming for new players.

Variable End Game Triggers: The game can end abruptly or drag on depending on the reveal of Empire Scoring cards.

Table Space: The game requires significant table space due to its numerous components.

Lack of Player Aids: There are no player aids provided for each player, which can make tracking progress more difficult.

Personal Thoughts on Mosaic: A Story of Civilization

Mosaic: A Story of Civilization is ideal for players who enjoy strategic depth without the complexity of traditional civilization games. It suits families and adults looking for a game that combines engine building, area control, and action selection mechanics. While it may not be the perfect fit for those seeking a thematic civilization experience with combat, it offers a unique and engaging alternative that focuses on strategy and resource management. The game is particularly good for those who appreciate multiple paths to victory and the flexibility to adapt their strategy based on the available cards and leader powers.

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