The New Era (2011) Board Game

The New Era is a city-building board game designed by Ignacy Trzewiczek and published by Portal Games in in 2011. Set in a science fiction universe, players take on the roles of powerful corporations competing to build the most prosperous city on the planet of Earth. With a mix of card drafting, worker placement, and economic management, the game offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience.

Game Components of The New Era

Over 80 new cards

A new, fifth faction – The Hegemony, a violent band of criminals

Wooden components

A new victory points board

Polished and improved iconography.

How To Setup The New Era

To set up The New Era, players need to integrate the new cards and faction into the existing 51st State game. This involves shuffling the new cards into the deck and setting up the new victory points board. The setup process is relatively straightforward, building upon the familiar structure of 51st State.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Post-apocalyptic card game

Mechanics: Card drafting, area control, resource management

Game Objective: Players aim to build and manage their own state, competing against other factions to accumulate the most victory points by controlling locations, managing resources, and executing strategic actions.

Player Experience

The New Era enhances the 51st State experience by introducing a new faction with unique abilities and playstyles. This expansion adds more complexity and variety to the game, allowing players to explore different strategies and interactions. The polished iconography and new components improve the overall visual and tactile experience.

Pros

New Faction: The Hegemony adds a fresh and aggressive playstyle.

Increased Variety: Over 80 new cards introduce more strategic options.

Improved Components: Wooden components and enhanced iconography elevate the game’s quality.

Standalone Expansion: Can be played independently or integrated with the base game.

Cons

Complexity: The addition of new mechanics and cards may overwhelm new players.

Compatibility: Requires the base game 51st State to fully appreciate the expansion.

Learning Curve: Integrating the new faction and cards may require additional time to learn.

Personal Thoughts on The New Era

The New Era is ideal for fans of 51st State and post-apocalyptic themes who are looking to expand their gameplay experience. It offers a rich and challenging environment for strategic players who enjoy card drafting and area control mechanics. However, it may not be the best introduction for new players due to its complexity and reliance on the base game. For those already invested in the world of 51st State, The New Era is a compelling addition that enhances the overall game experience.

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