AOC: Age of Champagne (2023) Board Game

AOC: Age of Champagne is a board game that was released in in 2023. Designed by Cyrille Lefranc and featuring artwork by Old Hen Games, this game is set in the world of champagne production, where players take on the roles of champagne producers competing to create the most prestigious brand.

Game Components of AOC: Age of Champagne

Game Board: Represents the winery and various marketplaces.

Worker Tokens: 3 versatile workers per player.

Grape Tokens: Used for processing and meeting market demands.

Contract Cards: Provide various objectives and challenges.

Market Demand Cards: Indicate the needs of different markets.

Eco-Responsibility Tokens: Track environmental impact.

Cellar Master Tokens: Used to determine the Cellar Master of the Decade.

How To Setup AOC: Age of Champagne

Setup involves placing the game board in the middle of the playing area, distributing the worker tokens, grape tokens, and contract cards among the players. Each player chooses a starting cellar master token and places it on the board. Market demand cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to start once all components are distributed and the board is set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players use their worker tokens to perform actions such as harvesting grapes, processing them, and fulfilling market demands.

Action Points: Each action consumes action points, which are limited per turn.

Contracts: Players fulfill contract cards to gain rewards and advantages.

Programmed Movement: Some actions are determined by the movement of tokens on the board.

Simulation: The game simulates the process of running a winery, including eco-responsible practices.

Objective: The goal is to become the Cellar Master of the Decade by having the most prestigious and eco-responsible Champagne Maison after 10 harvests.

Player Experience

Playing AOC: Age of Champagne is a deeply engaging experience that requires strategic planning and resource management. Players must balance short-term needs with long-term goals, such as investing in better equipment and managing the environmental impact of their winery. The game supports 1-4 players, making it versatile for both solo and multi-player sessions.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers complex decision-making and long-term planning.

Engaging Theme: The theme of managing a winery is unique and compelling.

Eco-Responsibility: Incorporates environmental considerations, adding a layer of realism.

Versatile Workers: Workers can perform multiple tasks, allowing for flexible strategies.

Cons

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming and complex.

Long Playtime: Games can range from 30 to 120 minutes, which may deter some players.

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s mechanics and rules require time to learn and master.

Personal Thoughts on AOC: Age of Champagne

AOC: Age of Champagne is perfect for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong thematic focus. It is ideal for those who appreciate worker placement and action point mechanics, and are interested in managing resources and long-term planning. The game’s eco-responsibility aspect adds a unique twist, making it appealing to players who value environmental themes. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for quick, simple games.

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