Antiquity (2004) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Antiquity is a board game that was released in 2004 and designed by Ynze Moedt. It falls under the categories of city building, civilization, economic, environmental, and medieval. The game is known for its strategic depth and challenging gameplay, where players must build and develop their civilizations while also managing limited resources and dealing with various environmental hazards.

Game Components of Antiquity

Game board consisting of hexes representing different types of terrain

7×7 grid for each city to construct buildings

Various building tiles (houses, woodcutters’ huts, fisheries, farms, stores, cart shops, harbours)

Worker tokens

Resource tokens (wood, fish, etc.)

Luxury resource tokens

Pollution tokens

Grave tokens

Patron saint cards for victory conditions

Double-sided terrain tiles for replayability

How To Setup Antiquity

To set up **Antiquity**, each player starts with one city on the map and a 7×7 grid off the board. The game board is composed of hexes representing different terrains, and each player has a set of initial buildings and resources. Players choose a patron saint, which determines their victory condition. The game board is expanded with terrain tiles, and each player begins with a few houses and basic resources.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Engine Building: Constructing buildings and managing resources.

Area Control: Expanding zone of control to access more land.

Resource Management: Managing food, wood, and other resources.

Pollution Management: Handling pollution generated by activities.

Game Objective

Achieve one of five victory conditions defined by the patron saint:
– Building all 20 houses.
– Constructing all available buildings in the game.
– Having 3 each of all food and luxury resource types.
– Spreading your zone of control to completely cover another player’s zone.
– Specific objectives based on the patron saint chosen.

Player Experience

Playing **Antiquity** is a complex and challenging experience. The game is characterized by its brutal and crushing mechanics, including famine and pollution, which players must manage to survive. Players must balance resource gathering, building construction, and expansion while dealing with the increasing difficulties of famine and pollution. The game requires strategic planning and resource management, making it a true test of player skills.

Pros

Multiple Paths to Victory: Players can choose different victory conditions, offering varied strategies.

High Replayability: Double-sided terrain tiles and different patron saints provide different game scenarios.

Simultaneous Actions: Many actions can be performed simultaneously, reducing downtime.

Deep Strategy: The game offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The rules are succinct but the game’s complexity can be overwhelming for new players.

Long Playtime: Games can last 180 minutes or more.

Fiddly Components: Managing many small components can be tedious.

No Catch-Up Mechanics: If a player falls behind, it can be difficult to catch up.

Personal Thoughts on Antiquity

**Antiquity** is for experienced gamers who enjoy complex strategy and engine-building games. It is particularly suited for those who have played civilization-building games or complex economic games. The game’s challenging mechanics and lack of catch-up mechanics make it less appealing for casual players or those who prefer lighter games. However, for gamers looking for a deep and rewarding experience, **Antiquity** offers a unique and engaging challenge.

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