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Ancient Civilizations of the Inner Sea (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Ancient Civilizations of the Inner Sea is a board game that takes players back in time to the cradle of civilization, where powerful empires and city-states vied for dominance in the Mediterranean region. The game allows players to take on the roles of these ancient civilizations and compete for control over territories, resources, and influence.

Game Components of Ancient Civilizations of the Inner Sea

  • Two mounted boards** that lay beside each other, offering a large and detailed map of the Mediterranean region.
  • Ten ancient civilizations** to choose from, each with unique abilities and starting locations.
  • Discs** for expanding borders and creating settlements, cities, and wonders.
  • Cards** for various effects, including natural disasters, barbarian invasions, and strategic advantages.
  • Multiple civilization mats** and player aids.
  • Rulebook and Playbook** with comprehensive rules and scenarios.

    How To Setup Ancient Civilizations of the Inner Sea

    Setting up the game involves placing the two mounted boards together, which vary in layout depending on the number of players. For example, at six players, the entire board is used, while at two players, only a little more than half of the board is in play. Players choose their civilizations based on predetermined setups to ensure a balanced game. Each player starts with five cards and their respective civilization’s discs and mats.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Area Majority / Influence: Players place discs to control regions.
  • Area Movement: Discs can be placed in controlled or adjacent areas.
  • Card Play: Players use cards to affect gameplay, such as causing natural disasters or gaining advantages.
  • Conflict Resolution: Competitions occur when multiple nations’ discs are in the same region.
  • Hand Management: Players manage their card hands to optimize strategy.
  • Solo / Solitaire Game: Includes comprehensive solo rules.
  • Objective: The goal is to survive and thrive across multiple epochs, building cities, wonders, and dominating the Inner Sea through conquest, cultural achievements, or a combination of both.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Ancient Civilizations of the Inner Sea** is a dynamic and unpredictable experience. Each turn represents at least a generation, with nations expanding, being decimated, or recovering from various events. The game is full of interactions, particularly during the card phase, where players can unleash significant effects on each other’s territories. Despite its potential brutality, the game is designed for fun, with scenarios that allow players to focus on different aspects such as war, exploration, city building, or cultural development.

    Pros

  • High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and variable player powers ensure each game is unique.
  • Balanced Gameplay: Different setups for various player counts ensure a competitive game.
  • Deep Strategy: Easy to learn but challenging to master, with a lot of depth in card management and area control.
  • Historical and Thematic Depth: The game offers a rich historical backdrop with the option to recreate real-life historical scenarios.

    Cons

  • Long Playtime: Games can last several hours, which may deter some players.
  • Unpredictability: The game’s unpredictability, while exciting, can be frustrating for players looking for a more controlled experience.
  • Complex Cleanup: The game involves several cleanup steps after each phase, which can be tedious.

    Personal Thoughts on Ancient Civilizations of the Inner Sea

    **Ancient Civilizations of the Inner Sea** is ideal for players who enjoy deep strategy, historical themes, and dynamic gameplay. It is not for those seeking a quick or highly controlled game experience. This game is perfect for fans of civilization-building and area control games who are looking for a challenge that is both fun and unpredictable. While it may not be the best fit for players who prefer shorter games or more predictable outcomes, it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time and effort.

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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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