Ultra Tiny Epic Kingdoms (2016) Board Game

Ultra Tiny Epic Kingdoms is a 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) board game designed by Scott Almes and William Bricker. It was released in 2016 by Gamelyn Games and has since gained popularity for its compact size and strategic gameplay. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of different factions vying for control of resources and territories.

Game Components of Ultra Tiny Epic Kingdoms

70 Cubes

24 Cards

1 Tower

16 unique territories

16 fantasy factions, each with a unique technology tree

Various player boards and tokens for tracking resources, magic, and tower levels.

How To Setup Ultra Tiny Epic Kingdoms

To set up the game, each player selects a unique faction and starts with a small territory. The game board consists of six action cards and various terrain cards. Players place their starting units and tokens according to the faction’s special powers. The action cards are prepared by placing gray cubes on them, which will be removed as players take actions. The game also includes solo mode components and exploration tokens for added depth.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Explore: Move units to adjacent territories or edge territories.

Expand: Collect resources and expand your kingdom.

Exploit: Gather resources from occupied territories.

Exterminate: Engage in battles with other players to control territories.

Action Selection: Players select an action, and other players can follow or collect resources.

War Mechanics: Secret bidding for war, with the option to form alliances.

Resource Management: Manage grain, ore, and magic resources.

Tower and Magic Research: Build towers and research magic to gain advantages.

Victory Conditions: Win by having seven armies on the board, building a level six tower, or researching level five magic.

Player Experience

Ultra Tiny Epic Kingdoms offers a surprisingly deep and engaging experience despite its small size. The game is quick to learn and plays in about 30-45 minutes, making it an excellent travel game. It scales well from 2 to 5 players, ensuring no downtime. The unique factions and territories ensure high replayability, with no two games being the same. The follow mechanic allows for strategic planning and resource management, making the game appealing to both new and experienced players.

Pros

Portable and Affordable: Extremely compact and inexpensive.

High Replayability: 16 unique territories and factions.

Quick to Learn: Easy to understand rules.

No Downtime: All players are engaged throughout the game.

Strategic Depth: Plenty of strategy and nuance despite its simplicity.

Solo Mode: Includes components for solo play.

Cons

Deterministic Actions: Actions can be predictable and lack obstacles.

Imbalanced Cards: Some cards and resources may be more powerful than others.

Not a Full Civilization Game: Lacks the complexity and depth of larger civilization games.

Personal Thoughts on Ultra Tiny Epic Kingdoms

Ultra Tiny Epic Kingdoms is ideal for those looking for a compact, travel-friendly game that still offers a rich gaming experience. It’s a great introduction to board games for new players due to its simplicity and strategic depth. However, it may not satisfy those seeking a more complex civilization game. The game’s unique blend of simplicity and strategy makes it a valuable addition to any board game collection, especially for those who value portability and quick gameplay sessions.

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