Innovation Ultimate (2024) Board Game

Innovation Ultimate is a card game that was first released in 2014 by Asmadi Games. It was designed by Alanna Cervenak, Sarah Farooqi, and Robert Simmons. The game falls under the categories of Card Game and Civilization, and it is suitable for players aged 14 and up. The game involves strategic gameplay and decision-making, where players compete to advance their civilizations through various technologies.

Game Components of Innovation Ultimate

Approximately 750 cards, including the base game and expansions.

10 reference cards/player mats.

New Age 11 cards, extending the game’s depth.

A new expansion named “The Unseen” with 115 cards.

A redesigned box insert accommodating both sleeved and unsleeved cards.

How To Setup Innovation Ultimate

Setting up Innovation Ultimate involves organizing the extensive card collection according to the ages and expansions. Players start by shuffling the cards for each age and expansion, then placing them within the designated wells in the box insert. Each player chooses a player mat and reference cards. The game includes a detailed rulebook with updated layouts and rules adjustments to guide the setup process.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft cards from different ages to build their civilization.

Engine-Building: Cards have unique effects, allowing players to advance through ages, attack opponents, or build up their society.

Expansion Integration: The game includes four redesigned expansions and a new one, “The Unseen,” each with streamlined mechanics.

Objective: The goal is to score the most points by achieving milestones, advancing through ages, and using card effects strategically.

Player Experience

Innovation Ultimate offers a dynamic and fresh experience with each play, thanks to its vast array of cards and interactions. The game is designed to be enjoyable for experienced players while also being accessible with updated, easier-to-teach rules for new players. The inclusion of Age 11 cards and the “The Unseen” expansion adds significant depth and new strategies to explore.

Pros

High Replayability: With over a million plays on online platforms, the game ensures a unique experience each time.

Extensive Content: Includes all previous expansions and a new one, providing a comprehensive gameplay experience.

Improved Mechanics: Redesigned expansions and new keywords like “junk” enhance gameplay balance and fun.

User-Friendly Box Design: The box insert is designed to accommodate both sleeved and unsleeved cards.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its complex rules and numerous card interactions.

Long Setup Time: Organizing the large number of cards can be time-consuming.

Cost: The game is relatively expensive, especially considering the extensive components and new content.

Personal Thoughts on Innovation Ultimate

Innovation Ultimate is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy deep, strategic gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning the intricacies of the game. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate engine-building and card drafting mechanics. While it may be challenging for new players, the updated rules and streamlined expansions make it more accessible than previous versions. However, the cost and complexity may deter casual gamers.

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