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TimeLine (2003) Board Game

ByMichail

TimeLine is a card game that was released in 2003 by designer James Ernest and published by Cheapass Games. It falls under the categories of abstract strategy, card game, economic, print & play, and science fiction. The game is designed for 2-5 players, with a recommended age of 10 and up, and has a runtime of about 10 minutes.

Game Components of TimeLine

  • Cards:** Each game set includes over 100 cards, each depicting a historical event, invention, or discovery on one side and the date on the other side.
  • Themed versions:** Multiple themed sets such as Historical Events, Inventions, Music & Cinema, Americana, and more.

    How To Setup TimeLine

    To set up the game, each player is dealt a handful of cards. One card is placed in the center of the table with its date showing to seed the timeline. Players place their cards in front of them, ready to start the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Gameplay Mechanics

  • Card placement:** Players take turns placing their cards in the correct chronological order within the timeline.
  • Date reveal:** After placing a card, the player reveals the date to verify if it is in the correct position.
  • Drawing new cards:** If a card is placed incorrectly, the player discards it and draws a new card from the deck.

    Game Objective

  • Winning condition:** The first player to get rid of all their cards by placing them correctly in the timeline wins the game.
  • Bonus round:** If multiple players run out of cards in the same round, each of those players draws one more card for an additional round to determine the winner.

    Player Experience

    Playing TimeLine is a fun and educational experience that tests your knowledge of historical events. The game starts off easy but becomes increasingly challenging as the timeline fills out. Players use logic and historical knowledge to place their cards correctly, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. The game works well in various group settings, from family gatherings to mixed groups of adults and children.

    Pros

  • Educational value:** Players learn about various historical events and their chronological order.
  • Simple yet challenging:** Easy to learn but requires strategic thinking.
  • High replayability:** Combining different themed sets increases the game’s replay value.
  • Versatile player base:** Suitable for a wide range of ages and group sizes.

    Cons

  • Dependence on historical knowledge:** Some players may have an unfair advantage due to greater knowledge of history.
  • Card draw favoritism:** Certain cards can be significantly easier to place than others, potentially skewing the game in favor of the player who draws them.
  • Storage issues:** Managing and storing the large number of cards from different sets can be cumbersome.

    Personal Thoughts on TimeLine

    TimeLine is an excellent addition to any board game collection, especially for those interested in history and trivia. It’s a great game for families, as it caters to a wide age range and is both fun and educational. For history buffs, it offers a unique way to engage with historical events in a competitive and entertaining manner. However, it’s best played with groups of people who have relatively equal knowledge of history to ensure fairness and enjoyment for all players.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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