Empires: Age of Discovery (2015) Board Game

Empires: Age of Discovery is a board game that was released in 2015, designed by Cyril Van Der Haegen and published by Eagle-Gryphon Games. The game is set during the Age of Exploration and players take on the roles of different colonial powers as they expand their empires across the globe.

Game Components of Empires: Age of Discovery

Game board

Player boards

Wooden cubes and discs

Cards

Tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Empires: Age of Discovery

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding player board and components.

Shuffle the cards and place them in a designated area.

Place the tokens and wooden pieces within reach of all players.

Follow the setup instructions in the rulebook to determine starting positions and resources.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Empires: Age of Discovery, players compete to build the most prosperous and influential empire. The game features mechanics such as area majority, set collection, variable player powers, and worker placement. Players must strategically place their workers, collect resources, and expand their influence to achieve victory.

The objective of the game is to accumulate the most victory points by the end of the game. Points can be earned through various actions such as building structures, exploring new territories, and forming alliances with other players.

Player Experience

Pros:

Strategic depth with multiple paths to victory

Engaging gameplay that keeps players invested

Beautifully designed components and artwork

Historical theme that adds immersion

Cons:

Steep learning curve for new players

Lengthy playtime may not be suitable for all groups

Some luck involved in card draws can impact gameplay

Personal Thoughts on Empires: Age of Discovery

Overall, Empires: Age of Discovery is a well-crafted board game that offers a rich and immersive experience for players interested in the Age of Exploration theme. The game’s components are of high quality and the artwork is stunning, adding to the overall enjoyment of the game.

While the learning curve may be steep for some, the strategic depth and variety of gameplay mechanics make it worth the investment of time and effort. The game is best suited for players who enjoy complex strategy games and are willing to dedicate the time to fully explore all its possibilities.

In terms of pricing and availability, Empires: Age of Discovery can be found both new and used, with prices varying depending on the condition of the game. There are also alternative games in the same genre, such as Puerto Rico and Terraforming Mars, for players looking for similar experiences.

In conclusion, Empires: Age of Discovery is a game that is worth your time if you appreciate deep strategic gameplay and enjoy the theme of exploration and empire-building. It may not be suitable for casual gamers or those looking for a quick and light gaming experience, but for those willing to invest in a challenging and rewarding game, it is definitely worth considering.

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