Olympos
- Players
- 2-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.0 / 5
- Year
- 2011
About the game
Olympos is a simplified civilization game from Philippe Keyaerts, the designer of Small World, set in ancient Greece and Atlantis. Players choose between expansion - sending settlers to conquer territories for resources - and development, buying scientific discoveries and building architectural wonders on a shared discovery board. A time-track system determines turn order and actions, and each game features a different mix of discoveries and gods, keeping the political and economic landscape fresh. Playable in 60-90 minutes for 2-5 players, it condenses the civilization genre into a shorter format.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team appreciates how Olympos delivers civ-game scope - territory conquest, tech development, and wonder-building - in a much tighter timeframe than most 4X-style games. The randomized discovery and god setup each game keeps strategies from feeling stale. It's a satisfying pick for players who love Small World's design sensibility but want something meatier. The time-track turn order takes a session or two to fully click.
What we like
- Delivers civilization-game scope in a comparatively short playtime.
- High replayability thanks to randomized discoveries and gods each game.
- Multiple viable strategies between expansion and development.
- Designed by an acclaimed designer with a strong pedigree.
Keep in mind
- Time-track turn order can be confusing for new players at first.
- Player elimination-style setbacks from conquest can frustrate some.
- Shorter format still carries moderate rules overhead.
Who it's for
Well suited to strategy gamers ages 10+ who enjoy civilization-building games but want a shorter session, in groups of 2-5.
