Age of Scheme: Routes to Riches (2008) Board Game

Age of Scheme: Routes to Riches is a board game released in 2008, designed by John Bohrer and published by Winsome Games. It falls under the categories of adventure, ancient civilization, economic, and industry/manufacturing. The game is designed for 3 to 6 players with a recommended player count of

It has a runtime of about 60 minutes and features gameplay mechanics such as network and route building, as well as stock holding.

Game Components of Age of Scheme: Routes to Riches

Game Board: Representing trade routes and marketplaces

Player Tokens: For tracking progress and resources

Resource Cards: For managing goods and finances

Route Cards: For establishing trade routes

Market Cards: For fluctuating market demands

Scorepad: For tracking players’ scores

How To Setup Age of Scheme: Routes to Riches

To set up the game, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects their tokens and places them on the starting positions on the board. Resource cards, route cards, and market cards are shuffled and distributed according to the game’s setup rules. Players begin with a set amount of resources and a starting hand of cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trade Route Building: Players establish trade routes to connect cities and markets.

Resource Management: Managing goods and finances to optimize trade.

Market Fluctuations: Responding to changes in market demand to maximize profits.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most wealth by effectively managing trade routes and resources.

Player Experience

In **Age of Scheme: Routes to Riches**, players engage in a dynamic game of economic strategy, navigating the complexities of trade and market fluctuations. The game requires careful planning, resource management, and adaptability to changing market conditions. Players must balance short-term gains with long-term strategies to emerge victorious.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: Combines strategic planning with dynamic market interactions.

Replayability: Variable setup and market fluctuations ensure each game is unique.

Social Interaction: Players must negotiate and compete for resources.

Historical Theme: Set in a historical context of colonial trade.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to multiple mechanics.

Length: The game can take up to 60 minutes, which may deter those with shorter attention spans.

Luck Element: Market fluctuations can introduce a significant element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Age of Scheme: Routes to Riches

**Age of Scheme: Routes to Riches** is ideal for players who enjoy economic and strategy games with a historical twist. It is suited for experienced board game enthusiasts who can appreciate the depth and complexity of the game mechanics. However, new players may find it challenging to grasp the rules and strategies initially, so it’s recommended for those with some experience in similar games.

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