Age of Arguments (1998) Board Game

Age of Arguments is a board game released in 1998 by Warfrog Games. It falls under the categories of Age of Reason, Political, and Wargame, making it a strategic and thought-provoking game. With a playtime of approximately 120 minutes and designed for 3-4 players, Age of Arguments is a game that challenges players to engage in political debates and strategic decision-making.

Game Components of Age of Arguments

Map: A thin card map.

War Cards: 66 cards.

Empire Markers: 4 markers.

Warzone Counters: 15 counters.

Plastic Counters: 16 counters.

Money: Three sheets to be cut out.

How To Setup Age of Arguments

To set up the game, players start by placing the thin card map on the playing surface. Each player selects an empire marker and places it on the corresponding starting position on the map. The war cards, warzone counters, and plastic counters are distributed according to the rules. Players also receive the cut-out money sheets to manage their resources. The game components are relatively simple, but they facilitate a complex and engaging gameplay experience.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Auction/Bidding.

Category: Political, Wargame.

Designer: Martin Wallace.

Players: 4 players.

Objective: The goal is to simulate the struggle for power among European states through auctions and strategic bidding. Players must manage their resources and bluff their way to victory.

Turn Order Auction: Players bid to determine the order of their turns, which adds a layer of strategy and bluffing to the game.

Resource Management: Players must manage their money and resources effectively to execute their strategies.

War and Expansion: Players use war cards and markers to expand their empires and defend against opponents.

Player Experience

Playing Age of Arguments is an immersive experience that tests players’ strategic thinking, bluffing skills, and resource management. The game encourages negotiation and tactical maneuvering, making it engaging for players who enjoy complex strategy and political intrigue. The components, although described as cheap, do not detract from the fun and challenge of the game.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers deep strategic gameplay through its auction and bidding mechanics.

Bluffing Element: The turn order auction adds a fun and challenging bluffing aspect.

Historical Theme: The game’s setting at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries provides a unique historical context.

Engaging: The game is highly interactive and requires players to be active and engaged throughout.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is designed strictly for 4 players, which can be limiting.

Cheap Components: While the components do not detract from the gameplay, some players might find them less appealing.

Complexity: The game’s mechanics can be complex, which might make it less accessible to new players.

Personal Thoughts on Age of Arguments

Age of Arguments is ideal for players who enjoy complex strategy, historical themes, and games that require negotiation and bluffing. It is particularly suited for hobby gamers who appreciate games with deep mechanics and strategic depth. However, due to its specific player count and complexity, it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game enthusiasts.

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