A Brief History of the World
Ragnar Brothers, Spiral Galaxy Games · Board game · 2009
3–6 · best 6
90–180 min
Weight 2.9/5
Buy
6.5
rating
Ludopedia
6.9
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy a quick trip through human history, commanding legendary empires, A Brief History of the World is for you! It's a game that delivers an accessible civilization experience packed with epic moments.
Highlights
- Epic historical journey
- Accessible for beginners
- Many iconic civilizations
- Grand components
Keep in mind
- Can be very lucky
- Little strategic depth
- Pacing can vary
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for a mind-blowing journey through human history in A Brief History of the World! In just a few hours, you'll lead epic civilizations from their beginnings to the 20th century. Imagine commanding Ancient Egypt, Imperial Rome, the wild Huns, the rising Aztecs, or even Napoleonic France. The game puts you in the shoes of great leaders like Alexander, Caesar, Genghis Khan, or Napoleon, challenging you to leave your mark on history.
With a giant map board depicting the entire world, you'll expand your domains, build cities and monuments, and manage resources to strengthen your empire. With each era, new empire cards and events shape the landscape, requiring you to adapt and make crucial decisions. You'll use dice to resolve conflicts and tests, but beware: critical hits and failures can change the tide of battle! Hand management is key to playing your cards effectively, while set collection can secure valuable end-game bonuses.
The game shines by allowing you to experience the rise and fall of empires, with mechanics like area majority, strategic movement, and even a bit of 'take that' to disrupt rivals. The variable setup ensures each game is unique, and the possibility of hidden victory points adds an extra layer of tension. It's an experience that condenses millennia into an afternoon, perfect for those who enjoy civilization games with a wargame twist and plenty of history.
With a giant map board depicting the entire world, you'll expand your domains, build cities and monuments, and manage resources to strengthen your empire. With each era, new empire cards and events shape the landscape, requiring you to adapt and make crucial decisions. You'll use dice to resolve conflicts and tests, but beware: critical hits and failures can change the tide of battle! Hand management is key to playing your cards effectively, while set collection can secure valuable end-game bonuses.
The game shines by allowing you to experience the rise and fall of empires, with mechanics like area majority, strategic movement, and even a bit of 'take that' to disrupt rivals. The variable setup ensures each game is unique, and the possibility of hidden victory points adds an extra layer of tension. It's an experience that condenses millennia into an afternoon, perfect for those who enjoy civilization games with a wargame twist and plenty of history.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
3
OK
4
REC
5
REC
6
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Ragnar Brothers, Spiral Galaxy Games
Designer
Gary Dicken, Phil Kendall, Steve Kendall
Artist
Peter Dennis
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
863owners
243wishlist
61want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime?
Playtime can vary significantly, but expect something between 90 to 180 minutes, depending on the player count and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can play?
The game is designed for 3 to 6 players, and the experience tends to be more dynamic and competitive with more people at the table.
Is this game very complex to learn?
The complexity is moderate. The basic rules are easy to grasp, but mastering the nuances and strategies takes time. It's a good entry point for civilization games.
What comes in the box?
The box is packed! It includes a giant map, many plastic pieces representing armies and cities, empire and event cards, tokens, dice, and more.
Who would you recommend this game to?
We recommend it for those who enjoy civilization games, history, and don't mind a bit of luck with the dice. It's great for groups wanting an epic experience without overly complicated rules.
Is there a lot of player interaction?
Yes, there is interaction, especially through area control and some cards that can hinder opponents ('Take That' mechanic).
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