History of the Ancient Seas II: DIES IRAE

too long

3 player games are rare and difficult to design. I already praised the system. On top of that elegant system, the situation the three factions are facing is very exciting. With two players only, the "Archimedes" BOT can be used.

English Version BELOW Für mich ist HOTAS - hier mit Dies Irae der mittlere von 3 Brüdern - eines besten Civilisationsspiele aller Zeiten. Warum? Lasst mich erklären. Das Spiel beruht auf einem zugleich simplen, als auch genialen Aktionsauswahlmechanismus. Dieser ist super leicht zu erklären: Jeder Spieler wählt pro Spielrunde (bis zu) 5 Aktionen. Zur Wahl stehen Bewegung, Bauen, Handelposten errichten, Angriffe, Waffenstillstände und Forschung. Jede Aktion ist eindeutig erklärt und schnell ausgeführt. Zu beachten ist, dass jeder Spieler jede Aktion pro Runde nur 2x wählen darf. Außerdem darf man die Aktion seines Vorgängers nicht direkt wiederholen. Die Simplizität der grundlegenden Aktionen ist hier definitiv das große Plus! Dabei erscheint das Spiel dann durchaus komplex - im positiven Sinne. Aber nicht durch unnötig komplizierte Regeln, sondern durch die Interaktion der Spieler auf dem Spielbrett sowie den Handeln auf demselben. Es gibt auch keinerlei Glückselement, was ich bei einem Civilisationsspiel grundsätzlich begrüße. Auch gefällt mir, dass man nicht durch das pure Erobern von Provinzen und Inseln gewinnt. Man MUSS forschen und die Stabilität der eigenen Fraktion im Auge behalten. Es gibt nämlich neben dem großen Hauptspielplan 2 weitere Tableaus. Auf einem wird geforscht und auf dem anderen gewirtschaftet. Und während eine gut laufende Wirtschaft die Grundlage für den Sieg darstellt wird durch das Erreichen des Golden Age (auf dem Forschungstableau) häufig der Sieg besiegelt. Ein Meisterwerk!

For me, HOTAS - here with Dies Irae the middle of 3 brothers - is one of the best civilisation games of all time. Why? Let me explain. The game is based on an action selection mechanism that is both simple and ingenious. This is super easy to explain: Each player chooses (up to) 5 actions per turn. You can choose between movement, building, setting up trading posts, attacks, truces and research. Each action is clearly explained and quickly executed. Please note that each player may only choose each action twice per round. Furthermore, you may not directly repeat the action of your predecessor. The simplicity of the basic actions is definitely the big plus here! At the same time, the game seems quite complex - in a positive sense. But not because of unnecessarily complicated rules, but because of the interaction of the players on the board and the actions on it. There is also no element of luck, which I generally welcome in a civilisation game. I also like the fact that you don't win simply by conquering provinces and islands. You MUST research and keep an eye on the stability of your own faction. In addition to the large main game board, there are 2 further boards. Research is carried out on one and farming on the other. And while a well-running economy is the basis for victory, reaching the Golden Age (on the research board) often seals the victory. Simply a Masterpiece of a boardgame!

My first impression on the game: https://theboardgameschronicle.com/2024/08/26/history-of-the-ancient-seas-ii-dies-irae-first-impressions/

My main observations:

• I love how the asymmetry was achieved in this game – by different composition of forces, starting positions and multiple possibilities to pursue on the technology tree. On one hand, the differences are subtle, on the other – significant enough to have a feeling like leading completely different civilization. This is good!

• Definitely the action mechanic is very cleverly designed – do not be confused, this is definitely not the regular roundel ? Only 3 actions of particular type per turn, no possibility to repeat what previous player just did and maximum 2 actions of same type per player. That creates fantastic strategic dilemmas, tension and ability to influence what other can do.

• The components are astonishingly beautiful; the wooden cubes, armies, fleets are simply gorgeous. I also appreciate the map graphics – they are not only great but very clear and crisp – so there is no ambiguity as to what terrain is where, what resource, etc.

• You need to be aware that there is also an element of bookkeeping here – your income, number of particular resources you have, provinces, islands, etc. You really need to keep this up to date in every moment of the game as it impacts many elements of it. Still, I think this is just as much as I can take so I am fine with it.

• We felt that the game might be a bit too long – we definitely were inclined to play to 8 VPs but even with this, before you developed the economy and actually clashed with opponents, it was a lengthy process. We saw couple of scenarios which are added to the game (like Alexander the Great) and it seems that they might allow to jump into action almost immediately – we should try them!

A very smart and elegant system. Great quality of components and beautiful artwork. Well done, really love the series. A fantastic situation on the board where you have a constant 1:1:1 or 2:1 / 1:2 fight for resources.