Ancient Realm (2023) Board Game

Ancient Realm is a card game designed by Startraphell Talbot and released in in 2023. It is a solo/solitaire game that falls under the categories of civilization, print & play, and territory building. The game is designed for players aged 8 and above and has a runtime of 15 minutes.

Game Components of Ancient Realm

18 cards (7 district cards, 7 wonder cards, and 4 resource marker cards)

A vinyl wallet for storage

Optional: **Monuments & Misfortunes** 6-card expansion

How To Setup Ancient Realm

To set up the game, players shuffle the two separate decks of district and wonder cards. They then place a ‘market’ of two cards from each deck face up in front of them. The remaining cards are set aside to form the draw piles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft cards from the market one at a time, refilling the market as cards are taken.

Resource Management: Manage resources such as gold, wood, stone, and wheat.

Card Placement: Cards are added to the build area, covering previous cards to activate resources or hire citizens and royalty.

Event Management: The backs of district cards serve as events that can increase production or provide additional resources.

Objective: Maximize points by building wonders and managing resources efficiently, balancing immediate needs with end-game scoring goals.

Player Experience

Playing **Ancient Realm** involves making strategic decisions each turn. Players must balance the need to draft district cards for resources and events against the need to draft wonder cards for high-scoring opportunities. The game requires careful planning on where to place cards and which blocks to cover, as these decisions directly impact resource availability and scoring potential.

Pros

Compact and Portable: Fits in a vinyl wallet, making it highly portable.

Engaging Decision Space: Offers complex and interesting decisions despite its small size.

Easy to Learn: Simple to teach and understand, with intuitive mechanics.

High Replayability: Random card draws and multiple paths to victory ensure varied gameplay.

Cons

Short Playtime: Games are only 15 minutes long, which may be too short for some players.

Limited Player Interaction: Designed for solo play, which may not appeal to those seeking multiplayer experiences.

Resource Management Complexity: Requires careful resource management, which can be challenging for younger players.

Personal Thoughts on Ancient Realm

**Ancient Realm** is ideal for fans of solo puzzle games and those who appreciate strategic decision-making in a compact package. It is a great fit for players who enjoy games like Sprawlopolis and Naturopolis, also from Button Shy. The game’s simplicity and depth make it accessible to players aged 8 and above, though the complexity of resource management might make it more enjoyable for older players seeking a challenge. If you’re looking for a quick, intelligent, and portable solo game, **Ancient Realm** is an excellent choice.

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