Assyria (2009) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Assyria is a board game released in 2009, designed by Arnaud Demaegd and published by Ystari Games. The game is set in ancient times, focusing on the rise of the Assyrian Empire. Players take on the roles of rival Assyrian princes, vying for power and influence through strategic decision-making and resource management.

Game Components of Assyria

Hexagon grid game board

Wooden discs representing players’ workers

Resource tokens (wood, stone, and gold)

Building tiles

Action cards

Victory point tokens

How To Setup Assyria

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the building tiles and place them face down on the designated spaces.

Distribute the resource tokens and victory point tokens to the players.

Each player receives a set of worker discs and action cards.

Determine the starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Assyria, players take turns placing workers on various locations on the game board to gather resources, construct buildings, and gain victory points. The game involves hand management, hexagon grid movement, open drafting, and worker placement mechanics. The objective is to accumulate the most victory points by the end of the game through efficient resource management and strategic planning.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging strategic gameplay

Balanced mix of resource management and worker placement

Beautiful artwork and components

Replayability due to variable setup and player interactions

Cons:

Steep learning curve for new players

Limited player interaction opportunities

Some luck involved in card draws

Personal Thoughts on Assyria

Assyria is a solid civilization-building game with a unique theme and engaging mechanics. The build quality is excellent, with detailed components that enhance the immersive experience. While the game may not be suitable for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a satisfying challenge for more experienced players.

In terms of pricing and availability, Assyria can be found in both new and used condition online. It falls within the mid-range price range for board games of its kind. Alternatives to Assyria include similar civilization-building games such as Through the Ages or Tigris & Euphrates.

Overall, Assyria is worth your time if you enjoy deep strategy games and have a penchant for ancient history themes. It is recommended for players who appreciate a challenging and immersive gaming experience. However, those looking for light-hearted or fast-paced games may want to skip Assyria in favor of more accessible options.

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