Bharata 600 BC (2020) Board Game

Bharata 600 BC is a board game that takes players back to the ancient Indian subcontinent around 600 BC. The game is designed by Ishan Trivedi and features artwork by GoIndia Games. It is a territory building game that allows players to experience the strategic challenges faced by ancient civilizations in their quest for dominance.

Game Components of Bharata 600 BC

Game Board: The largest-sized Indian game board to date, featuring a stunning map of ancient India.

Components: Over 550 components, including 64 handmade artisanal wood pieces, such as Chennapatna wooden pegs.

Cards: Resource modifier, army cards, victory points condition cards, event tokens, and ability cards.

Tokens: Fort tokens, resource tokens (iron, wood, food), and trade objects.

Coins: Used for various transactions and actions.

Player Boards: Each player board comes with two army pawns, allowing for team play.

How To Setup Bharata 600 BC

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle and arrange the components according to their designated spaces. Shuffle the resource modifier, army cards, and victory points condition cards, and place them on the board. In the advanced mode, add event tokens and event cards, and place ten hidden tokens face down on indicated spaces.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Resource Management: Collect resources such as iron, wood, and food.

Army Building: Build and lead armies using army cards.

Territory Expansion: Conquer regions by paying coins or army cards.

Combat: Engage in battles with other players by comparing army card values.

Event Management: Deal with random events like flooding, disease, or riots in the advanced mode.

Game Objective

Players aim to build and expand their kingdoms, manage resources, and protect their territories to accumulate the most victory points.

Player Experience

Bharata 600 BC offers a highly engaging and immersive experience, especially for those interested in history and strategy. The game is easy to learn in its basic mode but gains depth and complexity in the advanced mode. Players can choose from different personality and ability traits to customize their play style. The game supports 2-4 individual players or up to 8 players in teams.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is well-researched and accurately represents the ancient Indian subcontinent.

High-Quality Components: Handmade artisanal wood pieces and eco-friendly materials.

Engaging Gameplay: Combines strategy, resource management, and combat in a unique and immersive way.

Customizable Play Style: Ability cards and personality traits allow for varied gameplay experiences.

Environmental Focus: Made in India using eco-friendly materials and traditional techniques.

Cons

Complexity in Advanced Mode: May feel overwhelming for new players.

Limited Additional Regions: Some players wish for more Mahajanapadas and neighboring regions to be included.

Steep Price: The game is considered expensive, though many find it worth the cost.

Personal Thoughts on Bharata 600 BC

Bharata 600 BC is an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts, history buffs, and families looking for a challenging yet engaging game. It is suitable for players aged 14+ and can be enjoyed by both casual and experienced gamers. The game’s unique blend of strategy, resource management, and historical context makes it a standout in the board game world. Despite its higher price, the game’s quality and eco-friendly production make it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate detailed and immersive gaming experiences.

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