A Brief History of the World (2009) Board Game

A Brief History of the World is a board game designed by Peter Dennis and published in in 2009. It is a strategic game that takes players through different eras of history, from the age of ancient civilizations to the Napoleonic era. Players must compete to build the most successful civilization and conquer territories to earn victory points.

Game Components of A Brief History of the World

Game Board: Divided into 13 colored regions, each representing large portions of the world.

Empire Cards: Each player chooses an empire card at the start of each epoch, defining their role and abilities for that round.

Event Cards: Provide special, powerful effects that players can use during their turn.

Army Units: Players control armies of their chosen color to expand and conquer territories.

Region Tokens: Show the point values for each region during different epochs.

Dice: Used for resolving combat between armies.

How To Setup A Brief History of the World

To set up the game, players start by selecting their colors and taking the corresponding score markers and armies. Each player chooses an empire card and an event card at the beginning of each epoch. The game board is updated with region tokens that reflect the point values for the current epoch. Players then prepare for their turns by understanding the advantages and disadvantages of their chosen empires and the effects of their event cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Epochs: The game is played over five rounds (epochs), each representing a different historical period.

Empire Selection: Players choose an empire card at the start of each epoch, determining their role and abilities.

Event Cards: Players use event cards to gain special advantages.

Territory Conquest: Players expand their empires by conquering territories, which may involve dice-based combat.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the control of regions, capitals, cities, and monuments.

Game Objective: The goal is to achieve the highest score by the end of the five epochs.

Player Experience

Playing **A Brief History of the World** is an immersive experience that takes players through various epochs of human history. Each round offers a new challenge as players assume different empires, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. The game requires strategic thinking, as players must balance expansion with defense and utilize event cards effectively. The dynamic nature of the game, with its changing empires and events, keeps players engaged and eager to adapt their strategies.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game spans a broad historical period, offering a rich and educational experience.

Replayability: With multiple empires and event cards, each game can be significantly different.

Strategic Complexity: The game requires balanced strategy and tactical decisions.

Engaging Gameplay: The combination of empire management, territory conquest, and event cards keeps players engaged.

Cons

Long Playtime: The game can take between 90 to 180 minutes to complete.

Complex Rules: The game has several layers of rules and mechanics, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Luck Factor: Dice-based combat introduces an element of luck that can affect game outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on A Brief History of the World

**A Brief History of the World** is ideal for players who enjoy complex strategy, historical themes, and a high level of replayability. It is best suited for experienced board game enthusiasts who can appreciate the depth and complexity of the game mechanics. However, new players may find the rules and setup somewhat daunting. Overall, it is a game that rewards strategic thinking and offers a unique and engaging experience for those who enjoy epic, historically-themed board games.

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