Neolithic (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Neolithic is a card game that was released in 2016 and designed by JJ Ariosa, Chris Byer, and Liz Lahner. It falls under the category of civilization and prehistoric-themed games, where players take on the role of ancient tribes trying to survive and thrive in a harsh environment.

Game Components of Neolithic

Game Board: Represents the emerging enclaves of primitive humanity.

Cards: Include task cards, village cards, and other resources.

Player Tokens: Used for tracking progress and resources.

Rulebook: Available in English.

Weight and Dimensions: The game weighs 0.8 kg and comes with a compact design.

How To Setup Neolithic

To set up Neolithic, players first need to prepare the game board by laying out the task row and village area. Each player chooses a starting village card and places their tokens accordingly. The task cards are shuffled and arranged in the task row. Players start with a set of basic resources and tools. For a detailed walkthrough, refer to the setup section in the rulebook or the official how-to-play video.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Hand Management, Set Collection, Worker Placement.

Objective: Ensure the prosperity of your village by innovating, domesticating, and procreating.

Gameplay:
– Players manage their resources and tasks to advance their village.
– Tasks involve gathering resources, innovating tools, and expanding the village.
– Each turn is divided into task turns and village turns, where players execute their actions and manage their village’s growth.
– The game ends when all tasks are completed or when a player achieves a set of predefined goals.

Player Experience

Playing Neolithic feels like a journey through the Neolithic era, where you as a chief must balance resource management, innovation, and growth. The game is relatively short but packed with strategic depth, making it engaging for players who enjoy hand management and set collection mechanics. The worker placement aspect adds a layer of complexity, requiring players to think ahead and optimize their actions.

Pros

Short Playtime: Ideal for a quick game session.

Strategic Depth: Offers a good balance of strategy and luck.

Solo Play: Supports solo play, making it versatile.

Visuals: The artwork by JJ Ariosa, Chris Byer, and Liz Lahner is visually appealing.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for only 1-2 players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.

Complexity: While rated 2.1 out of 5 for complexity, it may still be challenging for very casual players.

Personal Thoughts on Neolithic

Neolithic is a great fit for players who enjoy strategic games with a historical or prehistoric theme. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate hand management and set collection mechanics. The game’s short playtime and support for solo play make it an excellent addition to any board game collection, especially for those looking for a concise yet engaging experience. However, it might not be the best choice for larger groups or extremely casual players due to its limited player count and moderate complexity.

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