Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 4.4 / 5
- Year
- 2015
About the game
Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization is a card-driven civilization-building game where players guide their nation through antiquity to the modern age. Success depends on balancing technology, food, resources, military, and culture, since weakness in any one area can be exploited by opponents. Card drafting brings new technologies, leaders, and wonders into play, growing easier to acquire the longer they remain available. There is no map, so a strong military threatens opponents' resources and progress rather than territory.
Hobbli's Notes
Through the Ages is widely considered one of the best civilization-building card games ever made, designed by the acclaimed Vlaada Chvátil. Its tightly balanced systems mean that science, military, and culture all interlock in meaningful ways, demanding careful long-term planning. The military mechanics can feel harsh to a losing player, but the depth and strategic richness have earned it a devoted following among heavy euro fans.
What we like
- Masterfully balanced civilization-building engine.
- Deep strategic interplay between science, military, and culture.
- High replayability from drafting variable technologies and leaders.
- Renowned as a design classic from Vlaada Chvátil.
Keep in mind
- Very high complexity and rules overhead.
- Can suffer from analysis paralysis and long individual turns.
- Military take-that mechanics can feel punishing to a losing player.
Who it's for
Experienced strategy gamers who enjoy deep resource management and civilization building, in groups of 2 to 4, ages 14 and up.
