Ezra and Nehemiah (2024) Board Game

The Ezra and Nehemiah board game is based on the biblical books of the same name, which tell the story of the Jewish people returning to Jerusalem after being exiled in Babylon. The game challenges players to rebuild the city and its walls, while also dealing with various challenges and obstacles along the way. Designed by S J Macdonald and Shem Phillips, the game offers a unique blend of city-building and religious themes.

Game Components of Ezra and Nehemiah

1 Rulebook

1 Main Board

4 Player Boards

1 Solo Board

155 Cardboard Tiles & Tokens

5 Reference Boards

44 Large Cards

78 Small Cards

196 Wooden Pieces

1 Cotton Bag.

How To Setup Ezra and Nehemiah

To set up the game, players start by placing the main board in the center of the playing area. Each player selects a player board and places it in front of them. The game includes various components such as cardboard tiles, tokens, and cards that need to be sorted and distributed according to the rules outlined in the rulebook. The setup involves preparing the player boards, shuffling and dealing the cards, and ensuring each player has the necessary resources and workers to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Worker Placement

Hand Management

Tech Trees / Tech Tracks

Track Movement

Variable Set-up

Chaining.

Game Objective

The objective is to gain the most Victory Points (VP) by the end of the game. Points are earned by building the temple, rebuilding the city walls and gates, teaching the Torah to returning exiles, developing land, traveling to settlements outside the city walls, and keeping the altar’s fire burning. The game is structured over three weeks, with each week consisting of six days of work followed by a Sabbath day of rest. Players must manage resources, feed their workers, and reflect on their week’s work during the Sabbath.

Player Experience

Ezra and Nehemiah offers a engaging and thematic experience where players must balance various tasks to rebuild ancient Jerusalem. The game features a unique card-driven action system that forces tough decisions each turn, promoting strategic thinking and resource management. The inclusion of prophets Haggai and Zechariah adds dynamic goals that players must strive to achieve. The game’s design encourages players to diversify their activities, making it both challenging and rewarding as they progress through the three weeks of gameplay.

Pros

Deep thematic strategy that immerses players in the rebuilding of ancient Jerusalem

High replayability due to variable setup and multiple paths to victory

Strong positive player interaction and challenging decision-making

Well-organized dual-layered player boards for ease of play

Includes solo mode for single-player experience.

Cons

Complex gameplay mechanics may have a steep learning curve

Resource management can be challenging, especially feeding workers to avoid VP penalties

Some players may find the historical and biblical context overwhelming or unfamiliar.

Personal Thoughts on Ezra and Nehemiah

Ezra and Nehemiah is ideal for fans of thematic strategy games and those interested in historical and biblical settings. The game is suited for players who enjoy worker placement, hand management, and resource allocation mechanics. It is not recommended for casual gamers due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay. However, for those willing to invest time and effort, Ezra and Nehemiah offers a rich and rewarding experience that simulates the challenges and triumphs of rebuilding a historic city.

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