Age of Renaissance

Age of Renaissance

Players
3-6
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
5 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
300 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
12+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
3.9 / 5
Year
1996

About the game

Age of Renaissance is a sprawling civilization-building game often described as a semi-sequel to Civilization, tasking three to six players with developing their cultures across the Middle Ages and Renaissance. A rich card deck delivers events, payouts, and famous leaders, while an ingenious combat system determines control of provinces and resources. With a five-hour runtime and deep economic simulation, it's a marathon strategic experience for dedicated groups.

Hobbli's Notes

We consider Age of Renaissance a true heavyweight classic for civilization-game enthusiasts, offering the kind of deep economic and diplomatic interplay that made its predecessor legendary. The five-hour playtime and very high downtime and complexity scores mean it's not a casual pick: this is a game for a dedicated group ready to commit an entire evening. It rewards patience and long-term planning far more than quick tactical thinking.

What we like

  • Deep civilization-building systems offer long-term strategy.
  • Card-driven events keep every playthrough different.
  • Innovative combat system resolves resource control smoothly.
  • Rewarding for fans of classic heavy euro-style design.

Keep in mind

  • Five-hour runtime demands a major time commitment.
  • Very high downtime score means significant waiting between turns.
  • Steep complexity is not beginner-friendly.

Who it's for

Suited to experienced strategy gamers aged 14+ ready to commit five hours in groups of three to six.

Mechanics