After the Empire (2021) Board Game

After the Empire is a board game released in 2021 by Grey Fox Games. Designed by Evan Halbert and Ryan Mauk, the game takes players back to a medieval world where they must build and defend their castle against invading forces. With a mix of economic management and strategic combat, players must carefully allocate their resources to survive and thrive in this challenging world.

Game Components of After the Empire

Game board

Worker tokens

Resource tokens

Building tiles

Event cards

Game mat set (optional)

Upgrade kit (optional)

Solo mode expansion (optional)

How To Setup After the Empire

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects their worker tokens and places them on the board according to the starting rules. Resource tokens, building tiles, and event cards are then distributed or placed within reach of all players. If using the game mat set or any expansions, these are integrated according to the specific expansion rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players alternate placing their worker tokens to gather resources, construct buildings, and manage their kingdom.

Resource Management: Players must balance and manage resources such as food, wood, and stone.

Building Construction: Players construct various buildings to enhance their kingdom’s capabilities.

Event Management: Players deal with events that can either hinder or help their progress.

Objective: The goal is to defend your kingdom and rule the land by accumulating the most victory points through efficient resource management and strategic building construction.

Player Experience

After the Empire offers a moderately complex gaming experience, suitable for players who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. The game is designed for 2-4 players and typically lasts between 60-90 minutes. Players will find themselves immersed in a medieval setting, making decisions that impact the growth and security of their kingdom.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The medieval setting provides a rich and immersive environment.

High Replayability: The combination of worker placement and resource management ensures each game is unique.

Expansions Available: Options like the game mat set, upgrade kit, and solo mode expansion add variety and depth.

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and strategy to succeed.

Cons

Basic Mechanics: Some players might find the worker placement mechanics too basic compared to other games in the genre.

Component Overload: The game includes a lot of components, which can be overwhelming for some players.

Personal Thoughts on After the Empire

After the Empire is a solid choice for fans of worker placement and resource management games, particularly those who enjoy a medieval theme. While it may not stand out significantly from other games in its genre, it offers a satisfying and challenging experience. It is best suited for players who appreciate strategic gameplay and are looking for a game that can be played in under two hours. However, players seeking more complex or innovative mechanics might find it a bit too straightforward.

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