CloudAge (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

CloudAge is a board game released in 2020 by designer Alexander Pfister and Arno Steinwender. It is published by Nanox Games and features a captivating blend of adventure and science fiction themes. The game is designed for 1-4 players, with a playing time of 60-100 minutes. With its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging storyline, CloudAge has quickly gained popularity among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of CloudAge

Game board with double-sided boards for variability

Airship boards for each player

Navigation decks that change over the course of the game

Resource cards (water, project cards, energy, metal)

Combat and mission cards

Drone pegs for resource collection

Greenery tiles

Campaign cards with story elements and scenario changes

Energy tokens

Movement and combat tokens

How To Setup CloudAge

To set up CloudAge, players first prepare the game board by placing the appropriate tiles based on the scenario or campaign chapter being played. Each player receives an airship board and a navigation deck, which are identical at the start but change as the game progresses. Players also receive initial resources and tokens. The campaign cards and mission cards are set up according to the instructions for the specific scenario or chapter.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases

First Phase: Check game progress, activate “book” actions, gain resources or points, pay energy for water, and draw navigation cards.

Second Phase: Players take turns moving their airships, collecting resources, and optionally battling CLOUD militias.

Third Phase: Players take main actions (Collecting Resources, Building/Upgrading, Planting New Growth) and follow-up actions.

Key Mechanics

Resource Management: Players manage energy, water, project cards, and metal.

Navigation and Movement: Players use navigation cards to determine energy and movement.

Combat: Players can engage in battles with CLOUD militias to gain rewards.

Upgrades and Improvements: Players can upgrade their airships and build new structures.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most points by playing project cards, upgrading the airship, completing mission card points, and other areas. The player with the highest score wins the scenario or campaign.

Player Experience

Playing CloudAge immerses players in a strategic and thematic experience. The game’s campaign mode, with seven chapters including two tutorial chapters, provides high replayability as each chapter adds new tiles and changes the game setup. Players must balance resource collection, airship movement, and combat to achieve their goals. The quirky card-sleeving system, which obscures cards as if they are features of the land below clouds, adds a unique and thematic element to the game.

Pros

High Replayability: The campaign mode and double-sided boards ensure a fresh experience each time.

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of resource management, movement, and combat keeps players engaged.

Thematic Experience: The game’s dark and dystopian world is well-integrated into the gameplay.

Fun Resource Collection: The method of resource collection is both fun and strategically deep.

Cons

Complex Rulebook: The rulebook can be confusing and needs improvement.

Storage Issues: There is a lack of a good storage solution, requiring players to bag up components.

Steep Learning Curve: The game has multiple mechanics that can be overwhelming for new players.

Personal Thoughts on CloudAge

CloudAge is perfect for those who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong thematic element. It is an excellent gateway game for players transitioning from simpler games to more complex ones. The game’s campaign mode makes it appealing for players who enjoy a narrative-driven experience and the ability to track progress over multiple sessions. However, it may not be ideal for casual players due to its complex mechanics and steep learning curve.

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