Ierusalem: Anno Domini (2023) Board Game

Ierusalem: Anno Domini is a board game that takes players back to the ancient city of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus Christ. Designed by Carmen García Jiménez and published by Devir, this game offers a unique experience in exploring the religious and historical aspects of the city.

Game Components of Ierusalem: Anno Domini

Player Boards: Each player has a board for managing resources, followers, and cards.

Cards: Basic cards, Mahane cards, and 33 A.D. cards, each with icons and actions.

Followers: Meeples representing the players’ followers.

Resource Tokens: Stones, bread, fish, and denarii.

Parable Tiles: Representing biblical parables, scoring points immediately and at the end of the game.

Favor Tokens: Special tiles granting immediate benefits and aiding in visiting apostles.

Offering Tokens: Blocking warehouse spaces for endgame points.

Apostle Cards: Representing the 12 apostles, each with unique benefits and point values.

Sanhedrin Marker: Acts as the game timer.

Illumination Tile: Exchangeable for apostolic favors, worth points at the endgame.

How To Setup Ierusalem: Anno Domini

To set up the game, players initially place their followers in resource-gathering locations on the board. The central board is arranged with the market, desert, mountain, lake, and temple areas for resource collection. The top market and middle favors area are set up with cards, and parable tiles are arranged along the bottom. The Sanhedrin tracker, representing the game clock, is placed on the right, and the 12 apostles are positioned on the left side of the board. Jesus is seated at the center, marking the start of the Last Supper setup.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Players play one card from their hand each turn, using the icons to visit apostles or gather resources.

Resource Management: Collecting stones, bread, fish, and denarii to perform actions.

Deck Building: Acquiring Mahane and 33 A.D. cards to enhance actions and perks.

Worker Placement: Placing followers at the Last Supper table or in resource-gathering locations.

Set Collection: Matching icons to visit apostles and earn points.

Favor System: Giving favors to other players for immediate benefits and future advantages.

Objective: Score the most points by placing followers close to Jesus and the apostles, collecting parables, and using favors and offerings effectively.

Player Experience

Players are immersed in a strategic and thematic experience, managing their hand of cards, resources, and followers to maximize their scoring opportunities. The game requires careful planning and tactical decisions, such as when to visit an apostle, how to use favors, and where to place followers. The theme is handled with reverence and respect, making it engaging for both fans of biblical narratives and strategy enthusiasts.

Pros

Immersive Theme: The game theme is handled with care and respect.

Multiple Scoring Avenues: Points can be earned through various means, including seating followers, collecting parables, and using favors.

Strategic Depth: Combines simple set collecting with complex resource management and deck building.

Competitive Placement: Placing followers competitively adds tension and strategy.

High-Quality Components: Artwork, component quality, and attention to detail are praised.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming and complex.

Steep Learning Curve: Understanding all the mechanics and strategies may take several games.

Judas Penalty: Judas’s negative points can significantly impact strategy, making his placement a critical decision.

Personal Thoughts on Ierusalem: Anno Domini

*Ierusalem: Anno Domini* is a gem for fans of strategic board games and those interested in unique themes. It is ideal for diehard gamers and habitual players looking for a game that challenges them while providing a rich thematic experience. While the biblical theme might be off-putting for some, the game’s execution and respect for the subject matter make it a standout in the board game community. If you’re looking for a game that blends deep strategy with historical and faith narratives, *Ierusalem: Anno Domini* is definitely worth a try.

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