The game material is consistently high quality, beautifully designed (thanks original graphics from the game) and very large (the game box would have liked a little more can be divided - so you have all the items at the beginning of first order ...). The manual is quite long, with lots of pictures and examples but very understandable with more than 30 pages. Initially the many complex rules (players who know the game already against newcomers already an advantage ...) appear, but these are internalized after a few laps. The different ways to win (which are well balanced) and individual starting characteristics of civilizations, combined with the random world map arises each time a different game.
Initially, the players are separated by unknown fields of play, it applies only to discover. So all build first "their" kingdom something out - but it is worth to pay attention to what part of the other players put their focus. Builds someone quickly from his army, or the production of its cities? Maybe I should quickly develop new technologies or better underpin the culture of my civilization by Wonders through trade? And the world is waiting to be discovered around them - there waiting friendly, but also hostile tribes and territory to colonize.
And soon you come into contact with other civilizations - and has from now many opportunities for alliances, intrigues or open hostilities. And if another player is about to be awaited victory, so maybe a help to give one or the other technology or culture map to the game even a surprising turn.
The game is mandatory for each Civilization fan but also other strategy players will take pleasure in it. Less suitable it is for people who do not have a lot of time (less than 3 hours, it is difficult to create) or can opt difficult (because the number of possibilities are huge). And ... may end up winning only one - a 2/3 System. there or 4th place not - that can at a narrow defeat by more than 4 hours already hurt (especially if you had even just one lap from victory ...) - it is to win all the sweeter!
The proximity to the original, combined with innovative ideas for implementation as a board game (unknown world map, battle system, technology tree, pioneers, ...) generate a high addiction factor. I'm looking forward to the next games convivial evening.
PS: If that game too long, which can slightly weaken the victory conditions (technology: one on the 4th stage / Coins: 10 / Culture: reaching the 3.Bereiches / Military: Conquer an enemy (not main) City) - However, these are no longer quite as balanced - and the character as a building game is lost something ...
