The Golden Ages

A reasoanbly close attaempt to the impossible 'civ game in 2 hhours). It certainly fits the 2hr mark and although you could argue that the mechanics are of typical euro standard they do evoke the theme of building up a civilisation quite well (certainly better than the ‘spreadsheet’ looking Historia did last year). And it has a map.

The older cover art

Games play was good but needs a makeover

35 euro

6 plays / 2,4 players

LIKE: Simple rules, fast eras with minimal downtime. Interesting combos. Good tech tree that seems well balanced. The first-to-pass mechanism is clever.

DISLIKE: Graphics are dark, and some iconography is hard to discern. The game could use a few more cards for variety. Not that fun at 2 players.

OVERALL: The best part was the final era because the choices were so agonizing, and trying to guess who would pass first to end it. I find the conflict/war portion very minimal, I barely notice it. Sometimes the war element becomes highly valued as people began to eye the end-of-era scoring cards (3 plays, upgraded rating). Best at 4 players.

Civilization done right. This is a great design which distills/abstracts many of the civ elements without losing the civ feel. Very impressed with this.

Update : I'm not sure this was a good buy. I really enjoyed it when I was fairly new to the hobby, but I'm concerned there isn't much replayability. Will give it another shot soon with the expansion then decide if it's a keeper. Still an 8 for now.

Also own the Cults and Culture expansion and Wonderpack.

Wow. Great game.

A very euro feeling civ game, but there is lots to explore and you do feel the theme. Lots of tough decisions and really fun gameplay.

I've deducted .3 because I really dislike some of the art (though in fairness the iconography is excellent).