Alexander the Great: Birth of an Empire

Mayfair Games, Phalanx Games B.V. · Board game · 2005
2–5 · best 3 75 min Weight 2.7/5
rating Ludopedia
6.0 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Want a taste of conquering the ancient world without overthinking it? Alexander the Great: Birth of an Empire is a great choice! It blends area control with a really neat action allocation system.

Highlights
  • Cube-based action planning
  • Engaging historical theme
  • Agile and fun pace
  • Area majority strategy
Keep in mind
  • Rules can be confusing initially
  • Luck in secret planning
  • Interaction can be high
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Get ready to march with Alexander the Great in this game that puts you in the shoes of an ambitious general! Forget heavy simulations; here the idea is to get a taste of conquest with more accessible rules and a playtime that fits your schedule. You'll move your wooden armies, found cities, and build temples across historical regions, following the legendary conqueror's footsteps. Each round, a secret plan is laid out with wooden cubes: who acts first, how many soldiers enter the field, where to build temples, and where to found cities. The competition is fierce, and whoever commits more cubes to each action dictates the rules! Winning turn order can be crucial, as is having a strong army to secure majority points in provinces. Moving troops consumes resources, and building cities and temples also requires planning and, of course, more cubes. If more than one player wants the same thing, the cost increases, but the majority player gets it. If you don't spend all your cubes, they carry over to the next round, giving you a strategic advantage. Scoring changes throughout the game: temples and cities are worth more at the end, so long-term thinking is essential. It's a mix of planning, bluffing, and tactics, where area control and clever cube usage are key to victory. A fun experience for those who enjoy strategy without excessive complexity.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 BEST
4 REC
5 REC
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Categories

Families

Ancient: Greece Components: Map (Continental / National scale) History: Wars of Alexander the Great
Publisher Mayfair Games, Phalanx Games B.V.
Designer Dietmar Keusch, Ronald Hofstätter
Artist Franz Vohwinkel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the complexity of this game?
It's considered moderately complex, with a BGG weight of 2.7. It's lighter than complex historical simulations, focusing on accessible strategy.
Is this a game for history buffs?
Absolutely! The game captures the essence of Alexander the Great's campaigns well, with a strong and engaging historical theme.
How long does a game take to play?
Games typically last around 75 minutes, which is great for those who don't want to commit to very long sessions.
How many players can participate?
The game is for 2 to 5 players, making it quite versatile for different groups.
Is the cube allocation mechanic complicated?
It might seem a bit different at first, but it's quite intuitive. The fun lies in secretly planning how you'll use your 15 cubes to dictate your actions for the round.
Is it worth it for someone unfamiliar with the theme?
Yes! Even without prior knowledge of Alexander, the game is fun and strategic, and the theme is well integrated into the gameplay.