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Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization

Through the Ages is a civilization-building strategy game where players lead their nations from antiquity to modern times, managing resources, developing technologies, and engaging in warfare and diplomacy to become the most powerful civilization.

7.84 / 10
BGG Rating
12+
age
2006
published year
2 - 4
player count
2 - 4
Recommended player count
120 mins
play time

How Complex is Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization?

4.18 / 5

Through the Ages has a steep learning curve due to its many rules and strategic options, but experienced players find it intuitive and rewarding.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization?

1.5 / 5

Luck plays a minimal role in Through the Ages as players have control over their actions and decisions, and there are no random elements such as dice rolls or card draws. However, the initial starting resources can affect gameplay.

How much Player Interaction does Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization offer?

3.5 / 5

Through the Ages offers moderate player interaction through diplomacy, warfare, and the ability to block opponents from certain actions, but the majority of gameplay is focused on individual player decisions and resource management.

How much Replayability does Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization offer?

4.5 / 5

Through the Ages offers high replayability due to the vast number of unique civilizations, technologies, and strategies available, as well as the variability of the card decks and player interactions.

Why you should play Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization

Deep Strategy

Through the Ages is a complex strategy game that requires players to think ahead and make strategic decisions throughout the game. The game offers a wide range of options and paths to victory, making it a highly replayable game.

Historical Theme

The game is based on the history of human civilization, which makes it an educational and engaging experience. Players get to learn about the different civilizations and their contributions to human history.

Resource Management

Through the Ages requires players to manage their resources carefully, including food, science, culture, and military power. Players must balance their resources to ensure they have enough to build their civilization and defend against attacks.

Multiplayer

The game can be played with up to four players, making it a great option for game nights with friends or family. The game offers a competitive experience that is both challenging and fun.

Replayability

Through the Ages offers a high level of replayability due to the many different paths to victory and the random events that occur throughout the game. Players can play the game multiple times and still discover new strategies and outcomes.

Strategic Card Play

The game uses a card drafting system that allows players to choose which cards to play and when. This adds an element of strategy to the game and allows players to customize their civilization to their playstyle.

Engaging Gameplay

Through the Ages offers a challenging and engaging gameplay experience that will keep players coming back for more. The game is well-balanced and offers a fair chance for all players to win, making it a great option for competitive gamers.

Why you should avoid Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization

Complexity

Through the Ages is a complex game that can be overwhelming for new players. The game requires a significant amount of time to learn and understand the rules, which may not be suitable for casual gamers.

Lengthy Gameplay

The game can take several hours to complete, which may not be suitable for players who prefer shorter games. The game requires a significant time commitment, which may not be feasible for some players.

Limited Player Interaction

Through the Ages is a game that focuses on individual player strategies, with limited interaction between players. This may not be suitable for players who prefer games with more social interaction and player-to-player conflict.

Expensive

The game is relatively expensive compared to other board games, which may not be suitable for players on a budget.

Theme

The historical theme of the game may not be appealing to all players, especially those who prefer games with more fantastical or sci-fi themes.

Where to find the Rules of Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization

You can find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.

Beginner Strategies for Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization.

Focus on building a strong economy

In Through the Ages, resources are the key to success. Make sure you have a steady stream of resources coming in, and invest in technologies and wonders that will boost your production.

Balance your military and culture

While having a strong military is important for defense, it's also important to focus on culture and science to advance your civilization. Make sure you're not neglecting one aspect of the game in favor of the other.

Plan ahead

Through the Ages is a game that rewards long-term planning. Make sure you're thinking several turns ahead and have a clear strategy in mind.

Keep an eye on your opponents

Pay attention to what your opponents are doing and try to anticipate their moves. This will help you stay ahead of the game and avoid being caught off guard.

Don't be afraid to take risks

Through the Ages is a game that rewards bold moves. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new strategies, even if they don't always pay off.

Use your leaders wisely

Your leaders are powerful tools that can help you achieve your goals. Make sure you're using them strategically and not wasting their abilities.

Keep your population happy

Your population is the backbone of your civilization. Make sure you're keeping them happy by providing them with food, entertainment, and other necessities.

Don't forget about wonders

Wonders are powerful buildings that can give you a significant advantage. Make sure you're investing in them when you have the opportunity.

Be patient

Through the Ages is a game that requires patience and persistence. Don't get discouraged if things don't go your way at first. Keep playing and learning from your mistakes.

Have fun

Most importantly, remember that Through the Ages is a game and should be enjoyed. Don't take it too seriously and have fun exploring the world of civilization-building.

Advanced Strategies for Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization

Focus on military early on

In the early game, it can be beneficial to focus on building a strong military. This will help you defend against attacks from other players and secure your position on the board.

Use events to your advantage

Events can have a big impact on the game, and it's important to use them to your advantage. Try to anticipate which events will come up and plan your strategy accordingly.

Build a diverse civilization

While it's important to specialize in certain areas, it's also important to have a diverse civilization that can adapt to different situations. Make sure you're investing in a variety of technologies and wonders to give yourself flexibility.

Keep an eye on the endgame

Through the Ages is a game that rewards players who plan ahead. Make sure you're thinking about the endgame and what you need to do to achieve victory.

Use your leaders strategically

Your leaders are powerful tools that can help you achieve your goals. Make sure you're using them strategically and not wasting their abilities.

Pay attention to your opponents' civilizations

Knowing what your opponents are doing is key to success in Through the Ages. Pay attention to their civilizations and try to anticipate their moves.

Take advantage of the Age III cards

Age III cards are some of the most powerful cards in the game, and it's important to take advantage of them when you can. Make sure you're building up your civilization so that you can use these cards effectively.

Don't neglect culture

While military and economy are important, culture is also a key component of Through the Ages. Make sure you're investing in culture technologies and wonders to keep up with your opponents.

Be flexible

Through the Ages is a game that requires flexibility and adaptability. Don't be afraid to change your strategy if things aren't going well.

Have fun

Remember that Through the Ages is a game and should be enjoyed. Don't take it too seriously and have fun exploring the world of civilization-building.

Mechanics

Action Points
Auction/Bidding
Hand Management
Open Drafting
Auction: Dutch

Categories

Civilization
Economic

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