Nehemiah (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Nehemiah is a board game released in 2014 by Leonardo Games, designed by Łukasz Woźniak. The game is set in ancient times and focuses on the story of Nehemiah, a prominent figure in religious history. Players take on the roles of builders working to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, following the biblical narrative.

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 first place the main board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a player board and places it within reach. The solo board is used for solo play. Players then draw a starting hand of cards and place their workers and resources on their respective boards. The game also involves setting up the temple, city walls, and other elements represented by tiles and tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-Driven Action System: Players deploy cards to their player mat and use color-coded banners to strengthen their chosen actions.

Worker Placement: Players use workers to perform various tasks such as building the temple, rebuilding city walls, teaching the Torah, and stoking the altar’s fire.

Resource Management: Players manage resources and food to sustain their workers.

Objective: The goal is to gain the most Victory Points (VP) by building the temple, rebuilding city walls and gates, and teaching the Torah to returning exiles.

Sabbath Mechanic: After six days of work, there is a Sabbath day of rest where players gather resources, feed their people, score points, and reset their boards.

Player Experience

In “Ezra and Nehemiah,” players take on the roles of Jewish leaders returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the temple. The game is divided into three weeks, each week consisting of six days of work followed by a Sabbath day. Players must balance their actions to ensure they are contributing to the reconstruction of Jerusalem while managing their resources and workers efficiently. The game features positive player interaction and a high level of replayability due to the variability in setup.

Pros

Thematic Depth: The game is deeply rooted in its historical and biblical context.

Replayability: High variability in setup ensures multiple unique playthroughs.

Engaging Mechanics: The card-driven action system and worker placement mechanics are engaging and challenging.

Player Interaction: Encourages positive interaction among players.

Organized Components: Dual-layered player boards keep everything organized.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its complex mechanics.

Resource Management: Managing food and resources can be challenging and punitive if not done correctly.

Length: The game can be lengthy, taking up to 120 minutes to complete.

Personal Thoughts on Ezra and Nehemiah

“Ezra and Nehemiah” is ideal for fans of thematic strategy games and those interested in historical or biblical settings. It is particularly suited for experienced board game players due to its complexity and the need for strategic planning. However, it also offers a solo mode for those who prefer playing alone. The game’s unique mechanics and high replayability make it a valuable addition to any board game collection.

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