Mega Civilization (2015) Board Game

Mega Civilization is an epic board game that is an expanded version of the classic Civilization board game, originally designed by Francis Tresham. This version, released in 2015, is designed by Franz Vohwinkel and published by 999 Games and Pegasus Spiele. It is set in ancient times and allows players to take on the roles of different civilizations as they navigate through political negotiations, economic development, and territorial expansion.

Game Components of Mega Civilization

Large game board

Player tokens and markers

Trade cards

Civilization Advance cards (representing technological advancements)

Calamity cards

Archeological Succession Table (AST)

Resource tokens (e.g., stone, cotton, fruit)

How To Setup Mega Civilization

Setting up Mega Civilization involves preparing the large game board, distributing player tokens and markers, and shuffling the various card decks. Players select their starting civilizations and initial resources. The Archeological Succession Table (AST) is also set up, which plays a crucial role in scoring. Before the game begins, players need to understand the complex rules and mechanics, including trade negotiations and the use of Civilization Advances.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Area Control: Players expand their civilizations across the map.

Trading: Negotiations for resources and cards are essential.

Technological Advancement: Acquiring Civilization Advances for defenses and scoring.

Diplomacy: Players interact and negotiate with each other.

Resource Management: Managing resources to sustain population growth.

Game Objective:

The objective is to accumulate the most points by advancing on the AST and acquiring valuable Civilization Advances while mitigating the effects of Calamity cards.

Player Experience

Playing Mega Civilization is an epic and immersive experience. Players must navigate complex trade negotiations, manage resources carefully to sustain population growth, and strategically acquire Civilization Advances to protect against calamities. The game demands significant time and attention, with moments of high tension and dramatic turns due to the impact of Calamity cards. Players must balance short-term needs with long-term strategies, making it a deeply engaging but also highly challenging game.

Pros

Epic Scale: Covers over 8 millennia of human history.

Deep Strategy: Requires careful planning and negotiation.

High Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and variable player interactions.

Historical Depth: Rich historical context and thematic accuracy.

Cons

Long Playtime: 10-12 hours per game.

Complex Rules: Steep learning curve due to intricate mechanics.

High Player Interaction: Can be brutal and unforgiving in trades and calamities.

Resource Intensive: Requires significant setup and space.

Personal Thoughts on Mega Civilization

Mega Civilization is for the dedicated and veteran board game enthusiast who relishes complex strategy, deep historical themes, and extended gameplay sessions. It is not a game for the faint of heart or those looking for a quick, casual experience. Instead, it is ideal for groups of players who can commit the time and energy to fully immerse themselves in this epic game. If you enjoy games like *Hegemony* or *18xx* and are ready for a challenge that spans hours, Mega Civilization might be the perfect fit for you. However, if you prefer shorter, more straightforward games, you might find this one overwhelming.

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