Forge (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Forge is a board game designed by Horia Gabriel Andrei, set to be released in in 2023. The game is themed around industry and manufacturing in a medieval setting, where players take on the roles of craftsmen competing to create the most valuable items.

Game Components of Forge

Instruction manual

Game board

Player boards

Worker tokens

Resource tokens (metal, coal, etc.)

Forge tiles

Tool cards

Contract cards

Victory point tokens

How To Setup Forge

To set up Forge, each player selects a player board and places their worker tokens on it. The game board is laid out with various forge stations, and resource tokens are distributed accordingly. Each player starts with a set of basic tool cards and some initial resources. The contract cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their worker tokens on different forge stations to gather resources, craft tools, and fulfill contracts.

Resource Management: Managing metal, coal, and other resources is crucial for crafting and fulfilling contracts.

Contract Fulfillment: Players aim to complete contracts, which provide victory points and other benefits.

Tool Crafting: Crafting better tools allows players to more efficiently use their workers and resources.

Game Objective: The player with the most victory points, earned through contract fulfillment and tool crafting, wins the game.

Player Experience

In Forge, players are immersed in a medieval setting where they must strategically manage their resources and workers to build and improve their smithy. The game requires a balance between short-term needs and long-term goals, making each turn a thoughtful decision. The interaction between players is moderate, as they compete for resources and contracts but do not directly interfere with each other’s progress.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Forge offers a rich strategic experience with multiple paths to victory.

High Replayability: The combination of random contract cards and varying player choices ensures each game is unique.

Thematic Integration: The medieval theme is well-integrated into the gameplay mechanics.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game has a moderate to high learning curve due to the various mechanics and strategies involved.

Component Quality: While the components are generally good, some players might find the worker tokens and resource tokens a bit small.

Personal Thoughts on Forge

Forge is ideal for fans of worker placement and strategic resource management games. It is suitable for players who enjoy games that require long-term planning and strategic thinking. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it will certainly appeal to those who enjoy a challenging and immersive gaming experience.

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