Board Game Review

7 Wonders cover

7 Wonders

Released: 2010

Created by: Antoine Bauza


I'm eager to share my thoughts on a modern classic that has captured the hearts of countless players worldwide: 7 Wonders. Designed by Antoine Bauza and published by Repos Production, this civilization-building game invites players to construct architectural marvels and develop their cities through the ages, all while competing with their neighbors for resources and prestige.

Components

7 Wonders comes in a sturdy box, containing 7 Wonder boards, 49 Age I cards, 49 Age II cards, 50 Age III cards, 46 Conflict tokens, 24 value 3 coins, 46 value 1 coins, 1 score pad, 3 description of effect sheets, and a rulebook. The components are of excellent quality, with thick, durable cards and Wonder boards that showcase vivid and evocative artwork. The tokens and coins are made of sturdy cardboard, ensuring they can withstand many plays.

Gameplay

7 Wonders is a card-drafting, civilization-building game for 3-7 players. Each player starts with a unique Wonder board representing an ancient city, and the game is played over three Ages, with each Age consisting of six rounds. During each round, players simultaneously choose a card from their hand, then pass the remaining cards to their neighbor (in alternating directions for each Age).

The chosen cards represent various structures that players can build in their cities, such as military buildings, scientific institutions, or resource-producing facilities. Each type of structure provides different benefits, such as victory points, resources, or special abilities. Additionally, players can choose to construct a stage of their Wonder, which grants powerful bonuses and additional victory points.

Players must carefully balance their own city's development while keeping an eye on their neighbors, as they may need to trade resources or compete in military conflicts to advance their civilization.

Playing Time and Replayability

A game of 7 Wonders typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the game. The game offers high replayability, as the unique combination of cards and Wonder boards in each playthrough encourages players to adapt their strategies and try new approaches to building their civilizations.

Conclusion

7 Wonders is a compelling and beautifully designed game that provides a satisfying blend of strategy, choices, and competition. With its accessible mechanics and high replayability, it's a must-have for any board game collection, appealing to both casual gamers and experienced strategists. Step into the shoes of an ancient civilization's leader, and forge your path to victory by constructing magnificent Wonders and developing a thriving city that will stand the test of time.


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