Tag Archives: Ancient Games

Ancient games often have themes or storylines set in the Old World, between 3000 BC (the beginning of the Egyptian dynasties) and AD 476 (the fall of the Western Roman Empire). Some of the themes and imagery found in the most popular Ancient games concerns ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. (source: BGG)

Petra: Era of Prosperity Game Review

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The Great City of Petra was established by road-harden nomadic traders who wanted to end their wandering to create a central trading hub. It would quickly become the center of trade in the region and earn those who wandered its streets and dealt in the markets great wealth and influence. But this is not the story of Petra as it was, but how Petra might have come to be. Take command of your nomadic tribe and guide your camels across the desert to create trade routes, build monuments, and secure a future for the great city yet to be. All will live in prosperity once Petra is built, but only one tribe will significantly contribute to the city’s success. Continue reading →

Zapotec Game Review

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An Indian politician who served as the sixth prime minister of India, Rajiv Ratna Gandhi, said, “Civilizations are built by the ceaseless toil of a succession of generations. With softness and sloth, civilizations succumb. Let us beware of decadence.” In this game, players must go to work building a pre-Columbian civilization. However, planting crops and feeding the growing population is only part of the goal. Players must also satisfy the increasing populace’s religious needs with towering ziggurats. As the capital expands, the land becomes scarce, and the players must become ever more creative in how they go about maintaining growth. Continue reading →

Urgency Game Review

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It turns out there were geeks in the most ancient of times. Case in point, a board game was unearthed during an excavation at the ruins of the ancient city of Ur that dated back to 2600 BCE. Through several other discoveries, the complete board game was found, including the rules and the pieces. This is great, but this ancient game needed a modern spin. Enter Urgency that takes an ancient way of playing a game and gives it a fresh new take that will leave you feeling renewed, despite playing a ridiculously old game. Continue reading →

Ancient World Multi Game System Review

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Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist, George Bernard Shaw, said “If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.” Which is to say, if we are unable to learn from the past, how can I make a better future? And yet, the past has so much to teach and is worth going back to. Yes, it’s great to live in the moment, but it’s worth glancing back and seeing how far you’ve come. In this collection of ancient themed games, a modern take is given on timeless lessons that are worth learning and enjoying, but the way the lesson is learned is always changing. Continue reading →

Triumphus Game Review (prepublished version)

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American author and television personality, Ted Allen, said “Planning a dinner party in a way that you’re actually capable of getting it done without panicking is important. It’s bad hospitality for the host to be freaked out.” Good advise, but what if the success of the dinner party determined if you lived or died? Now that is stressful and worth panicking about. In this game, the Emporer’s previous party planner has made their last mistake, losing their job and their head. Now the position is open and you hope to please the Emporer with your elite party planning skills. Continue reading →

Smash Up: Oops, You Did It Again Game Expansion Review

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There are two types of people who go to buffets. Those who like variety and those who like bulk. We could argue that “more does not mean better”, but try having that conversation when presented with 12 feet of assorted desserts. But sometimes you just want a cookie. Is there a best of both worlds? For buffets, probably not. On your gaming table, certainly. This game can be used as a single serving or the first of many, many games to consume. Continue reading →

Warrior Clash Game Review (prepublished version)

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Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher, Sun Tzu, said ” Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack.” The actions of a warrior are dangerous and calculated, but nothing is for certain. Even when the enemy is upon you, the outcome of the battle is an unknown until the last warrior is standing. In this game, you will control warriors from distant lands. Victory will go to the bold, the brave, and the reckless. Continue reading →

Rampaging Jotunn Game Review (prepublished version)

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The Viking clans fought for and died to control the island. It lay like a jewel in the sea, rich with resources. When only two Viking clans remained, they quickly established settlements and resumed their battle for control. One morning, a roar shook the island. Ymir the Jotunn had awoken. Some fled, but the bold saw the Jotunn as a means to an end. Continue reading →

Julius Caesar Game Review

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Before the Roman Empire was establish, Caesar waged war against Pompey in hopes of obtaining both military and political superiority. Pompey fought to maintain the status quo, while Caesar fought for change. The countryside erupted into a civil war that lasted for years. Historically, Caesar won, but in this game the players get to decide the fate of the Roman Empire. Continue reading →

Kings of Israel Game Review

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It has been said that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The Kings that rule the lands of Israel poison the people who follow them, resulting in corruption of the mind and the spirit. You are a Prophet sent to deliver these people from evil, but the road you must walk is not an easy one. Continue reading →

Monstrous Game Review (prepublished version)

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Zeus was not pleased. The mortals no longer feared their creators. Their prayers lacked reverence. Enraged, Zeus summoned the other gods, saying “The mortals have forgotten us. They no longer know their place. This shall not stand!” And with that, Zeus unleashed his fury and jealousy upon the world… Continue reading →

Commissioned Game Review (prepublished version)

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Persecution is rampant. The Jewish authorities and the Roman Legion search the land for followers of the troublemaker known as “Jesus”. You are a disciple and have been tasked to spread the teachings of Jesus across the land, establishing churches, and leading followers. But the powers that be fear you and the message you spread. With the help of other Apostles, you must journey on a path paved with trials and tribulations, for it is your calling… Continue reading →