Through The Ages: A New Story of Civilization?

Let me tell you about a game that takes the “civilization builder” genre and throws it into a cosmic blender, mixing in card drafting, engine building, and a dash of historical intrigue. We’re talking about Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization, a behemoth of a board game designed by Vlaada Chvátil (who also brought us the delightful “Galaxy Trucker” and the tense “Tichu”) that promises to be both deeply strategic and surprisingly accessible.
This isn’t your typical historical sim where you click through menus and watch civilizations grow on a digital map. Through the Ages is a tangible experience, played with hundreds of cards representing technologies, buildings, wonders, and leaders from throughout history. Your goal isn’t just to build an empire; it’s to guide your civilization through millennia of development, navigating choices that echo real-world dilemmas while crafting a unique historical narrative.
A Tapestry Woven Through Time: The Game’s Mechanics
The game unfolds across three Ages (Ancient, Medieval, and Modern), each subdivided into “Generations” where you take turns performing actions to develop your civilization.
Think of it as a constant tug-of-war between immediate gains and long-term goals. Want to build that glorious Ziggurat right now? Go for it! But remember, every action costs “Culture,” the lifeblood of your civilization. Will you hoard Culture for later ages or spend it strategically on early development?
- Action Cards: Each Generation starts with a hand of Action cards representing the core mechanics of the game. You’ll use these to build Wonders, develop Technologies, produce Resources, expand your Military, and even wage War against rival civilizations.
- Building Your Civilization:
Through the Ages encourages you to craft a unique civilization by focusing on different paths to victory. Do you prioritize scientific advancement? Will you conquer through military might? Or perhaps forge alliances with other players for mutual benefit? The choice is yours!
The game utilizes a clever card-drafting mechanism to ensure everyone has access to different options each Generation. This keeps the gameplay fresh and unpredictable, forcing you to adapt your strategy on the fly.
Beyond Victory Points: Thematic Depth
Through the Ages isn’t just about winning; it’s about immersing yourself in history and experiencing the ebb and flow of civilization.
The game features a multitude of historical events that randomly occur throughout each Age, forcing players to react to unexpected challenges like famines, plagues, or even religious uprisings. These events add a layer of realism and unpredictability to the gameplay, reminding you that no matter how well-planned your civilization may be, unforeseen circumstances can always arise.
And let’s not forget about the Leaders!
Throughout the game, you can acquire influential figures from history – from Hammurabi and Cleopatra to Genghis Khan and Abraham Lincoln – each with unique abilities that can dramatically alter your civilization’s trajectory. Choosing the right leader for your situation can be the difference between a flourishing empire and historical obscurity.
Production Value and Accessibility
Through the Ages is known for its impressive production quality. The game comes in a hefty box filled with beautifully illustrated cards, custom dice, and components that scream “premium experience.”
While the rulebook is initially daunting due to the sheer number of possibilities the game presents, it’s well-written and structured, guiding you through the complexities step by step. There are also excellent online resources, including video tutorials and playthroughs, that can help ease new players into the world of Through the Ages.
Is This Game for You?
If you enjoy complex strategy games with a historical twist, Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization is definitely worth exploring. Be warned though; this isn’t a game to be played casually. It demands attention, planning, and a willingness to delve into its intricate systems.
But for those who embrace the challenge, Through the Ages offers an unparalleled gaming experience that will keep you engaged for hours on end.
Beyond the Basics: A Glimpse at Advanced Gameplay
Feature | Description | Strategic Impact |
---|---|---|
Trading | Exchange Resources with other players to gain advantages. | Allows for diplomacy and resource optimization. Can lead to alliances or betrayals! |
Wonders | Construct iconic structures that grant unique bonuses. | Provides a powerful path towards victory points, but requires careful planning and resource allocation. |
Military | Develop your army and wage war against rival civilizations. | Risky but potentially rewarding, allows for territorial expansion and domination but can drain resources and lead to diplomatic conflicts. |
Events | Random occurrences that shake up the game and force you to adapt. | Introduces an element of unpredictability and historical realism. Can create unexpected opportunities or challenges. |
Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization isn’t just a game; it’s a journey through time, a tapestry woven with strategy, history, and a touch of delightful chaos. Prepare to be challenged, amazed, and ultimately captivated by this masterpiece of board gaming design.