Ancient Knowledge (2023) Board Game

Ancient Knowledge is a board game that was released in 2023 by designer Rémi Mathieu and published by IELLO. The game is set in ancient times, focusing on civilization and mythology themes. With stunning artwork by Pierre Ples, Adrien Rives, and Emilien Rotival, players are immersed in a world filled with ancient wonders and knowledge.

Game Components of Ancient Knowledge

189 unique cards

Player boards

Technology tracks

Tablet tokens

Knowledge tokens

Monument cards

Artifact cards

Level I and II Technology cards

How To Setup Ancient Knowledge

To set up Ancient Knowledge, each player receives a player board with space for artifacts, active monuments, and technology cards. Players start with either a predetermined 6-card starting deck or 10 randomly dealt cards, from which they keep 6. The technology tiles are placed on the table, and three cards of matching levels are placed on each technology track. Players also receive the first player token, and the necessary tokens and cards are positioned in the central area.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Strategize & Build: Players build a game engine that evolves over time.

Acquire New Technology: Gain level I and II Technology cards to optimize actions and scoring.

Ephemeral Tableau: Monuments move closer to the past each turn, requiring players to transmit knowledge before they decline.

Actions:
– Create a Monument or Artifact
– Learn a new Technology card
– Excavate cards from the past to draw new cards
– Archive knowledge tokens
– Search for a new card

Timeline Phase: Activate effects of cards with the Timeline symbol.

Decline Phase: Move all monuments one column to the left, with those reaching the past triggering specific effects and penalties.

Player Experience

Playing Ancient Knowledge involves a dynamic and strategic experience as players race against time to build and preserve their civilization’s knowledge. Each turn, players must balance acquiring new technologies, building monuments, and managing the inevitable decline of their constructions. The game requires careful planning and synergy between cards to maximize points and avoid penalties from lost knowledge. The “shoot the moon” strategy adds a risky but exciting layer, where players can gamble on high-reward effects at the cost of potential high penalties.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: The game offers a mid-weight crunch with a satisfying experience, lasting about an hour.

Synergy and Combos: Players can build powerful combinations of monuments and technologies.

Dynamic Gameplay: The game engine evolves over time, requiring flexible strategies.

Beautiful Artwork: 189 unique cards with detailed artwork.

Risky Strategies: Options like the “shoot the moon” strategy add an exciting layer of risk and reward.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup and rules can be overwhelming for new players.

Time Management: The game’s pace can be slow if players do not push the endgame.

Card Management: Managing artifacts and monuments can be challenging, especially if they do not synergize well.

Penalties for Lost Knowledge: Failure to manage knowledge tokens can result in significant point penalties.

Personal Thoughts on Ancient Knowledge

Ancient Knowledge is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games, tableau building, and engine building mechanics. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate a game with depth and complexity, but also value a game that remains relatively approachable despite its intricate rules. The game’s themes of preserving knowledge and managing the passage of time add a layer of historical and cultural depth, making it appealing to fans of civilization-building games. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, lightweight experience.

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