Eastern Empires (2021) Board Game

Eastern Empires is a board game released in 2021 by 999 Games. Designed by Flo de Haan, Gerart de Haan, and John Rodriguez, this game immerses players in the ancient world of city-building, civilization, and economic strategy set in the Eastern Empires. With beautiful artwork by Franz Vohwinkel, the game offers a unique and engaging experience for 3 to 9 players aged 12 and up.

Game Components of Eastern Empires

Game board featuring the Silk Road to India and the Arabian Peninsula

Player boards for each civilization

Resource tokens

Unit and building tokens

Trade cards

Event cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Eastern Empires

Setting up **Eastern Empires** involves placing the game board in the center, distributing player boards, and each player selecting a civilization. Players receive starting resources, units, and buildings. The trade and event decks are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to start once each player has their initial setup complete.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 3 to 9 players

Game Duration: 120 minutes to 12 hours (combined with **Western Empires**)

Game Category: Civilization-building, strategy

Mechanics: Area control, trading, resource management, civilization advancement

Objective: Players aim to lead their civilizations from the Stone Age through the Bronze and Iron Ages by expanding their empires, trading resources, and advancing culturally and militarily.

Player Experience

**Eastern Empires** offers a deep and engaging experience, allowing players to build and manage their own ancient civilizations. The game is known for its simplicity in mechanics but depth in strategy, making it accessible yet challenging. Players can choose shorter scenarios or embark on a full-day experience combining **Eastern Empires** with **Western Empires**, accommodating up to 18 players.

Pros

Historical Depth: Covers 8000 years of history.

Scalability: Can be played in shorter scenarios or as a full-day event.

Multiplayer: Supports 3 to 9 players.

Strategy: Simple mechanics with deep strategic layers.

Thematic: Rich historical and cultural themes.

Cons

Length: Can be very long, especially when combined with **Western Empires**.

Complexity: While the mechanics are simple, the game’s scope can be overwhelming.

Availability: Previous editions were sold out; new releases are planned for late 2024.

Personal Thoughts on Eastern Empires

**Eastern Empires** is ideal for fans of civilization-building games and those who enjoy deep, strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for gaming groups or enthusiasts who are willing to invest several hours into a game session. The game’s historical theme and the ability to combine it with **Western Empires** for a vast, epic experience make it a standout in the board game community. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players or those looking for quick game sessions.

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