Type: Board Game
Company: Stonemaier Games
Release Date: 2016
Number of Players: 1 - 5
Complexity: 3.5
Rating: 5.0
Visually striking. That is the equivalent of what I first thought when I saw this game. I sat on the fence a bit at first though. There were a few concerns I had. First the game seemed a little pricy. Second it seemed so meaty would my gaming group and I be able to wrap our heads around it. Now mind you, we don't shy away from any game, no matter how complex. But still things to be considered. I have know owned the game for well over a year and I have to say money well spent. But let's break it down.
GAMEPLAY:
Deep and with many options. But not enough to create analysis paralysis. Game is asymmetrical in many ways which is nice for varied gameplay.
COMPONENTS:
Top notch. You get so many plastic and wooden pieces that you won't know what to do with them all!
ARTWORK:
Even if this game was horrible, I'd probably set it on my shelf and just stare at it. Beautiful artwork.
THEME:
This is subjective based on person to person of course. But it is a cool idea. 1920's alternate timeline Europe. In this game WWI happened, but there was more technology involved. Mechs! Need I say more.
ANY CAVEATS?:
Possibly. There is some downsides to the game. With the technology boards being different it can create some tougher learning moments. Also the game is not simple. Not a gateway game. But also not super complicated. I recommend read the rulebook. Then watch a "watch-it-played" on YouTube. It will help a lot. One other thing that might be a con or a pro depending on your game group, this is not a war game. While battle does happen, it's more of a cold war type of game. The threat of power is more powerful than the war itself. Still, you can be as vicious as you want. Just be careful you don't fall behind in production with all the fighting!
BOTTOM LINE:
Don't let this mega game intimidate you. If you have moved beyond a Catan type game and want a meaty game that plays well with 1 - 5 players (7 if you buy the expansions!) then this is an excellent buy. I give it two thumbs up and highly recommend it!
