| | | | | | | | | | |

Brass: Birmingham (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

Brass: Birmingham is a strategic board game that was released in 2018 by Roxley. It is a sequel to the original Brass game, which was designed by Martin Wallace and first published in 2018. Brass: Birmingham is set in the industrial revolution era in Birmingham, England, where players take on the role of entrepreneurs building businesses and industries to profit from the booming economy.

Game Components of Brass: Birmingham

  • Game board
  • Player boards
  • Industry tiles
  • Canal and rail tokens
  • Money tokens
  • Development cards
  • Coal and iron cubes
  • Victory point tokens

How To Setup Brass: Birmingham

  • Place the game board in the center of the table.
  • Each player receives a player board and a set of industry tiles.
  • Randomly distribute coal and iron cubes on the board.
  • Place canal and rail tokens in their designated spaces.
  • Give each player starting money tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players in Brass: Birmingham aim to build industries, develop networks, and generate income to score victory points. The game involves hand management, income generation, market manipulation, and route building. Players must strategically plan their actions to maximize their profits and outmaneuver their opponents.

Player Experience

Pros

  • Deep strategic gameplay
  • Rich thematic immersion
  • Engaging economic mechanics
  • Beautiful artwork and components

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Can be overwhelming for casual gamers

Personal Thoughts on Brass: Birmingham

Brass: Birmingham is a masterpiece in the economic strategy genre. The game’s build quality is top-notch, with beautifully illustrated components that enhance the immersive experience. The game’s category of Age of Reason and industry/manufacturing theme is unique and appealing to history buffs and strategy enthusiasts. While the game’s pricing may be on the higher end, it is worth the investment for the depth of gameplay and replay value it offers. Brass: Birmingham is a must-have for fans of strategic board games, but it may not be suitable for casual gamers or those looking for a lighter gaming experience.

Overall, Brass: Birmingham is a rewarding and challenging game that is definitely worth your time if you enjoy deep strategy and economic simulation. Players who appreciate complex gameplay and historical themes will find Brass: Birmingham to be a gem in their board game collection. However, those looking for a more casual or light-hearted gaming experience may want to consider other options.

Check out my Brass: Birmingham review!

Game Components of Brass: Birmingham

  • Player Count: 2-4 players
  • Age Range: 14+
  • Playtime: 60-120 minutes
  • Components: Two-sided central board, industry cards, player tokens, canal/rail connections, wooden tokens for iron, coal, and beer, clay chips for currency, and rulebook with biographical details of in-game characters.

    How To Setup Brass: Birmingham

    To set up the game, players start by placing the two-sided board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a player mat and places their tokens and markers accordingly. The industry tiles, cards, and other components are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The turn order track is set up, and players determine the starting player. The game is divided into two eras: the canal era (1770-1830) and the rail era (1830-1870), each with its own set of rules and setup adjustments.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Mechanics: Hand management, network building, economic management
  • Game Objective: Score the most Victory Points (VPs) by developing, building, and establishing industries and networks.
  • Actions: – Build: Pay required resources and place an industry tile. – Network: Add a rail/canal link, expanding your network. – Develop: Increase the VP value of an industry. – Sell: Sell cotton, manufactured goods, and pottery. – Loan: Take a £30 loan and reduce your income. – Scout: Discard three cards and take a wild location and wild industry card.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Brass: Birmingham** is an immersive experience that absorbs players fully. The game is divided into two distinct periods, each with its own rules and challenges. Players must develop strategies to exploit market demands, manage resources like coal, iron, and beer, and build efficient networks. The mid-game switch from canals to rails introduces new dynamics, making the game feel natural yet exciting. Players appreciate the dynamic scoring system and the satisfaction of seeing their strategies unfold over time.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience with multiple layers of strategy.
  • Beautiful Production: The game features stunning artwork, high-quality components, and a well-designed board.
  • Replayability: High replay value due to the dynamic nature of the game and the variety of strategies available.
  • Competitive Scene: There is an active competitive scene, making it appealing for experienced players.
  • Satisfying Gameplay: Players find the game highly rewarding, regardless of winning or losing.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: The game has a steeper learning curve compared to simpler board games.
  • Long Playtime: Games can take at least two hours, which may deter casual players.
  • No Insert: Components are stored loose in the box, which can be inconvenient for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Brass: Birmingham

    **Brass: Birmingham** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy economic strategy and complex gameplay. It is not recommended for beginners or those looking for a quick, casual game. The game’s depth and replayability make it a great gift for fans of games like **Great Western Trail**, **Scythe**, or **Concordia**. If you’re willing to invest time into learning and playing, **Brass: Birmingham** offers a highly rewarding and engaging experience.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *