The Flow of History (2016) Board Game

The Flow of History is a card game that was released in 2016 by Moaideas Game Design. Designed by Jesse Li, the game falls into the categories of Civilization and Card Game, with a focus on Auction/Bidding, Set Collection, Tags, and Take That mechanics. The game is designed for 2-5 players, with a recommended age of 12 and up, and has a playing time of 60-90 minutes.

Game Components of The Flow of History

67 cards divided into six types, spanning five Ages.

Resource tokens.

Cards include various historical figures and events like Christopher Columbus, Satellites, Confucius, and more.

Icons such as handshakes that provide resources.

How To Setup The Flow of History

To set up the game, players prepare the deck of 67 cards, which includes two special cards at the bottom: The Internet and The Future. Each player starts with a basic set of resources and a tableau to build upon. The game requires a clear understanding of the card types and the bidding mechanism to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Bidding Mechanism: Players invest resource tokens on cards and wait for the investment to clear on a forthcoming turn.

Sniping: Opponents can snipe investments, compensating the original investor and claiming the card.

Card Stacking: Cards are stacked in columns based on type, with each card covering all but the bottom icons of previous cards.

Resource Management: Players manage resources to invest and snipe cards.

Game Objective

Advance through five Ages, developing governments, technologies, and militaries.

Gain lucrative cards, particularly The Future, to end the game favorably.

Manage resources and investments strategically to outmaneuver opponents.

Player Experience

Playing **The Flow of History** involves a dynamic mix of strategy and anticipation. Players must balance investing in cards with the risk of having those investments sniped away. The game’s endgame can become highly tactical, especially when The Future is near, leading to a culmination of strategies and resource management. Familiarity with the cards and their effects enhances the experience, as players can anticipate and prepare for key events and figures.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers deep strategic gameplay through its bidding and sniping mechanics.

Historical Theme: The game spans five Ages, incorporating historical figures and events.

Simple yet Effective Resource System: The game uses a single tangible resource, simplifying resource management.

High Replayability: The variety of cards and potential strategies ensure different experiences each game.

Cons

King-making Issue: The endgame can stall as players wait for the perfect moment to snipe The Future, leading to less active gameplay.

Complexity for New Players: The game requires a good understanding of the card mechanics and strategies, which can be challenging for new players.

Economic Disruption: Certain cards, like Communism or Napoleon, can significantly disrupt resource distribution and player strategies.

Personal Thoughts on The Flow of History

**The Flow of History** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who appreciate complex strategies and historical themes. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy managing resources, anticipating opponents’ moves, and navigating through a dynamic historical narrative. While it may present a steep learning curve for new players, the game’s depth and replayability make it a rewarding experience for those who invest the time to master its mechanics.

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