History of the World (1991) Board Game

History of the World is a classic board game that was first released in 1991 by Avalon Hill. It was designed by Gary Dicken, Steve Kendall, and Phil Kendall, and features artwork by Charles S. Jarboe Jr., Steve Kendall, Jason Spiller, and David Walker. The game falls under the civilization category and is known for its strategic gameplay and historical theme.

Game Components of History of the World

Game Board: Divided into 13 colored regions, each representing large portions of the world

Empire Cards: Represent various historical empires

Event Cards: Include minor empires, kingdoms, and historical events

Territory Tokens: Used to mark occupied territories

Army Tokens: Represent military forces

Victory Point Tokens: For scoring

Cloth Map: Innovative feature in early editions, later replaced with a standard board

Pre-eminence Markers: Introduced in later versions to reward aggressive play.

How To Setup History of the World

Setup involves placing the game board in the middle of the playing area, shuffling and distributing the empire and event cards, and each player selecting an empire to play. The board is divided into regions and territories, and players start by placing their army tokens according to the empire they have chosen. The event deck is prepared, and the game is ready to begin once all components are distributed and the initial turns are explained.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players invade and occupy territories to score points.

Card Drafting: Players draw and pass cards to select their empires and events.

Empire Building: Each empire has a limited number of armies and must strategically expand and maintain its territories.

Victory Points: Awarded based on the number of territories controlled in each region.

Event Cards: Can introduce minor empires, historical events, or other challenges.

Game Objective: Accumulate the most victory points by controlling key territories and managing empires effectively through different epochs of history.

Player Experience

Playing **History of the World** is an immersive experience that combines strategy with historical context. Players must balance the expansion of their empires with the need to defend their territories. The game is known for its complexity and depth, requiring players to make strategic decisions that reflect the historical periods they are playing through. The interaction between players is significant, as passing event cards and competing for territories adds a social and competitive layer to the game.

Pros

Historical Depth: Provides a comprehensive overview of human history through different epochs.

Strategic Complexity: Challenges players with empire management, territory control, and resource allocation.

Replayability: High due to the random distribution of empire and event cards.

Social Interaction: Encourages strategic passing and negotiation among players.

Cons

Lengthy Playtime: Can take 4-5 hours to complete, which may deter some players.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires significant time to understand the rules and mechanics.

Luck Factor: Dice rolls and card draws introduce an element of luck that can affect gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on History of the World

**History of the World** is ideal for players who enjoy grand strategy games and have an interest in history. It is a game that rewards strategic thinking and historical knowledge. The game’s complexity and playtime make it more suited for dedicated board game enthusiasts rather than casual players. However, for those who invest the time to learn and play it, **History of the World** offers a rich and engaging experience that spans centuries of human civilization.

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