Age of Thieves (2016) Board Game

Age of Thieves is a board game released in 2016, designed by Sławomir Stępień and published by Edge Entertainment. Set in a fantasy Renaissance world, players take on the roles of sneaky thieves trying to outsmart their opponents and steal valuable treasures.

Game Components of Age of Thieves

Game board representing the city of Hadria

Unique thief characters with special abilities

Action cards for maneuvers, alchemical potions, and complicated devices

Burglary Cards

Emperor’s Jewel and other valuable loot tokens

Guard and captain tokens

City gate tokens

Event deck

Rulebook

How To Setup Age of Thieves

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area, representing the city of Hadria. Each player selects a thief character and places their respective token on the board. The action cards, Burglary Cards, and event deck are shuffled and distributed according to the rules. The Emperor’s Jewel and other loot tokens are placed in their designated areas. Guards and captains are initially placed in their starting positions. The game is ready to start once all components are in place and each player has their starting hand of action cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Strategy, Adventure

Mechanics: Action Point Allowance System, Hand Management, Variable Player Powers

Objective: The goal is to steal the Emperor’s Jewel or other valuable loot and escape through one of the four city gates before the city goes into full lockdown.

Initiative System: Players use an initiative system integrated with planning and execution phases.

Action Cards: Players can play multiple action cards per turn, which include basic movement, refreshing card hands, and more complex maneuvers.

Event Deck: The event deck raises the alarm once the ruby is stolen, increasing the number of guards and their alertness.

Escaping: Only one city gate remains open as a possible escape route after the alarm is raised.

Player Experience

Age of Thieves offers a captivating play experience with a well-crafted atmosphere that evolves from relaxed to tense as the game progresses. The game starts calmly but quickly escalates into a thrilling rush as players navigate the city, avoid guards, and plan their escape. The integration of initiative and planning phases adds a layer of strategy, making each player’s turn both decisive and exciting.

Pros

Immersive Atmosphere: The game creates a very good atmosphere and immersion, growing more tense as the big heist approaches.

Strategic Depth: Combines action card management with unique thief abilities and a dynamic event deck.

Engaging Setting: The detailed map of Hadria resembles great fantasy cities like Lankhmar and Ankh-Morpork.

Expansions: The game has an expansion, “Masters of Disguise,” which adds new components and rules.

Cons

Complexity: While described as fairly simple, some players might find the rules and action card management slightly complex.

Limited Player Count: Suitable for 2-4 players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

Duration: The game lasts 1-2 hours, which could be too long for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Age of Thieves

Age of Thieves is ideal for players who appreciate imaginative settings and strategic gameplay. It is particularly suitable for those who enjoy a mix of planning, execution, and a bit of luck. The game’s ability to maintain a balanced duration without feeling arbitrary is a significant strength. If you’re looking for a game that offers a unique blend of strategy and adventure with a captivating setting, Age of Thieves is definitely worth considering.

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