Age of Discovery (2007) Board Game

Age of Discovery, also known as Tempus, is a board game designed by Viktor Kobilke and published by Devir in in 2007. The game is set during the Age of Discovery, a period of European history that spanned the 15th to 17th centuries and saw explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama making groundbreaking discoveries and establishing trade routes around the world.

Game Components of Age of Discovery

Player Figures: Representing different European nations (England, France, Spain, Portugal, Holland, and optionally Italy with the expansion).

Discovery Tokens: Placed face-down in various regions to be discovered.

Trade Good Tokens: Matching the trade goods pictured on each New World territory.

Capital Buildings: Divided into three ages, offering different benefits.

Colonists and Specialists: Used for discovery, colonization, and other actions.

Discovery Cards: Used after all regions are discovered.

How To Setup Age of Discovery

To set up the game, players first choose their nation and starting power. Each player places their figure on the victory point track to determine turn order, with the first player taking 10 gold, the second player taking 11, and so on. Discovery tokens are randomly placed face-down in each region except the Caribbean, which is considered already discovered. Trade good tokens are placed on their corresponding territories. Capital buildings are separated by age and placed near the board. Five capital buildings from the first age are revealed, and any remaining trade goods are kept in a separate pile or bag.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Order: Players take turns placing their colonists in various action spaces.

Capital Buildings: Players can purchase capital buildings each turn, which offer one-time or lasting benefits.

Discovery: Players commit colonists to discover new regions, needing to exceed the region’s defense value to succeed.

Colonization: Players place colonists in discovered regions to earn resources and victory points.

War: Players can declare war against other players in regions where both have colonists.

Victory Points: Awarded for the most colonists in each region at the end of each age, as well as for final-turn income, discovery tiles, and certain capital buildings.

Objective: The player with the most victory points at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Age of Empires III: The Age of Discovery** is an immersive experience that combines strategic planning with resource management. Players must balance their efforts between discovering new regions, colonizing them, and building capital structures that provide advantages. The game allows for a mix of cooperative and competitive elements, especially with the option to declare war on other players.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a complex and engaging gameplay experience with multiple paths to victory.

Historical Theme: Provides a rich historical context, making the game appealing to history buffs and fans of the Age of Exploration.

Replayability: High replay value due to random discovery tokens and variable player powers with expansions.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming and complex.

Long Gameplay: Games can last between 90 to 120 minutes, which may deter players looking for shorter games.

Personal Thoughts on Age of Discovery

**Age of Empires III: The Age of Discovery** is ideal for fans of historical and strategic board games. It is suited for players who enjoy resource management, area control, and competitive gameplay. The game’s complexity and length make it more appealing to experienced board game enthusiasts rather than casual players. However, for those whoare willing to invest the time, it offers a rewarding and engaging experience that captures the essence of the Age of Exploration.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.