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Age of Innovation (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Age of Innovation is a civilization and territory-building board game designed by Helge Ostertag and published by Capstone Games in in 2023. Set in a fantasy world, players take on the roles of leaders of different factions competing to build the most prosperous empire through innovation and strategic decision-making.

Game Components of Age of Innovation

  • Players:** 1-5
  • Age:** 14+
  • Playing Time:** 40 minutes to 200 minutes
  • Complexity:** Medium-heavy
  • Components:** 7 double-layered planning displays, 12 factions, 17 palace abilities, 18 innovations, high-quality wooden parts, resource icons (tools, coins, scholars, power cycle tokens, books), and innovation tiles.
  • Artists:** Álvaro Calvo Escudero, Lukas Siegmon

    How To Setup Age of Innovation

    Setting up Age of Innovation involves several steps. First, players select their factions, each with unique characteristics and abilities. The game map is static, but the setup varies with each game due to the random selection of innovation tiles and palace abilities. Players must refer to the rulebook and possibly the appendix for specific setup instructions, particularly for the 2-player game modifications. The setup can be slightly confusing due to the need to refer to multiple manuals.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Mechanics:** Hexagon Grid, Turn Order: Pass Order, Variable Player Powers, Victory Points as a Resource, Contracts, End Game Bonuses, Income, Network and Route Building.
  • Objective:** Players aim to build and expand their faction by terraforming the terrain, constructing buildings, and merging them into cities. The goal is to accumulate the most victory points through various actions such as building workshops, founding towns, increasing competency levels, and acquiring innovation tiles.

    Player Experience

    Playing Age of Innovation is a complex yet engaging experience. The game offers a high degree of variability with each playthrough, thanks to the random selection of innovation tiles, palace abilities, and faction combinations. Players must balance their expansion with the benefits of proximity to other factions, which can both limit and enhance their progress. The game includes several difficulty levels and automa factions for solo play, making it versatile for different player preferences.

    Pros

  • High Replayability:** With numerous faction, palace ability, and innovation tile combinations, the game offers near-infinite variability.
  • Strong Solo Mode:** Excellent solo mode with multiple automa factions and difficulty levels.
  • Deep Strategy:** Requires strategic planning and adaptation to the game’s variable setup.
  • Economic Bonuses:** Proximity to other factions provides economic benefits, adding a layer of strategic depth.
  • Innovation Tiles:** Powerful innovation tiles offer significant scoring opportunities and game-changing abilities.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup:** The setup process can be confusing, requiring reference to multiple manuals.
  • Rulebook Complexity:** New players may find the rulebook overwhelming due to the detailed explanations and appendices.

    Personal Thoughts on Age of Innovation

    Age of Innovation is ideal for fans of complex strategy games and the Terra Mystica series. It offers a rich and immersive experience with deep gameplay mechanics and high replayability. While it may be challenging for new players due to its complexity, the game is highly rewarding for those who enjoy strategic planning and adaptation. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games with strong solo modes and variable setups that ensure no two games are the same.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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