Alba Longa (2011) Board Game

Alba Longa is a board game designed by Graeme Jahns and published by HUCH! in in 2011. The game is set in ancient times and focuses on city building, civilization, and economic aspects. With a playing time of around 90 minutes and suitable for players aged 12 and above, Alba Longa offers a strategic gameplay experience with elements of worker placement and dice rolling.

Game Components of Alba Longa

Central board

Five city boards representing Alba Longa, Reate, Roma, Velitrae, and Veii

50 wooden monuments (10 in each color)

18 discs (population track, housing track, worship track, season track marker, dice cost track marker, Mark of Piety)

100 wooden peasants

40 wheat tokens

55 coins

20 city cards (four per city)

25 hero cards (five sets numbered 0-4)

10 weather cards (3 dry, 4 moderate, 3 wet)

9 blessing cards (4 3-wheat cards, 3 2-silver cards, 2 1-monument)

One King of Kings card

Four eight-sided dice (representing soldiers, priests, merchants, and quarry workers)

How To Setup Alba Longa

Players begin by each receiving a city board, eight peasants placed on the first eight spaces of the housing track, five silver coins, 10 monuments, and two discs. One disc is placed on the population track at 8, and the other next to the worship track. Each player also starts with a set of 5 hero cards and 4 city cards. The youngest player gives the King of Kings card to any player at the table.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Be the first to build 10 monuments and have a population of at least 16.

Game Phases: The game is divided into years, each year consisting of three phases: growing season, harvest season, and year end.

Growing Season:
– Begin Season: Mark the season and reset the dice cost.
– Assign Peasants: Assign peasants to various tracks (barracks, quarry, merchant track, worship track).
– Hold Court: Players take turns rolling dice and assigning peasants based on the dice rolls.
– Resolve Tasks: Resolve tasks for soldiers (attacks and defenses), merchants (market transactions), and quarry workers (monument construction).

Harvest Season: Manage resources and population.

Year End: Wrap up the year and prepare for the next.

Player Experience

Alba Longa offers a rich and engaging gameplay experience with a blend of dice selection, city management, and worker assignment. Players must strategically manage their resources, assign peasants effectively, and navigate the challenges of each season. The game’s dynamic involves a mix of competition and strategic planning, making it appealing to fans of complex Eurogames.

Pros

Deep Strategy: The game requires thoughtful planning and resource management.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and variable player powers ensure high replay value.

Thematic Depth: The game’s theme of ancient city management is well-integrated into the mechanics.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its complex rules and multiple phases.

Length: Games can take up to 90 minutes, which may deter players looking for quicker experiences.

Luck of the Dice: The dice rolls add an element of luck that can influence gameplay outcomes significantly.

Personal Thoughts on Alba Longa

Alba Longa is tailored for fans of complex Eurogames who enjoy deep strategic planning and resource management. It is ideal for players who appreciate a challenging and immersive gaming experience. However, it may not be the best fit for new players or those seeking a quick, light-hearted game. The game’s intricate mechanics and long playtime make it a great addition to the collection of any serious board game enthusiast.

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