#1 on BGG · Age of Reason

Brass: Birmingham

Roxley, Arclight Games, Board Game Rookie · Board game · 2018
2–4 · best 4 60–120 min Weight 3.9/5
9.1 rating Ludopedia
8.6 rating BGG
9.1 rating Ludopedia
8.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're a fan of deep economic strategy and historical themes, Brass: Birmingham will absolutely captivate you with its intricate industrial empire-building. It's a brilliant follow-up that refines the original's formula into a truly rewarding experience.

Highlights
  • Deep economic strategy and industrial empire building
  • Engaging two-era gameplay progression
  • Rewarding strategic network and industry development
  • High replayability with varied paths to victory
  • Excellent blend of theme and mechanics
Keep in mind
  • Higher complexity requires dedicated learning
  • Can be punishing for new players
  • Long playtime commitment
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
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About the game
Get ready to dive into the heart of the Industrial Revolution with Brass: Birmingham, the acclaimed sequel to Martin Wallace's classic. This economic strategy game puts you in the shoes of ambitious entrepreneurs in Birmingham, between 1770 and 1870, competing to build industrial empires and dominate the market. The journey unfolds in two distinct eras: the canal era (1770-1830) and the rail era (1830-1870), each with its own dynamics and opportunities. Your goal is simple yet challenging: accumulate the most Victory Points (VPs) at the end of each era, which are awarded for your transportation networks and established industries. Each round, players take two actions, choosing from a range of strategic options. You can build new industries, expand your canal or rail network, develop your technologies to increase the value of your products, sell goods like cotton, manufactured goods, and pottery, or even take out loans to finance your ventures. Brass: Birmingham introduces an exciting new action: 'Scout,' which allows you to discard three cards to get a wild location or industry card, adding an extra layer of flexibility and strategic planning. With deep gameplay and impactful decisions, this title is a treat for anyone seeking an economic and historical challenge.
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Brass: Birmingham English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
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Game details

Families

Cities: Birmingham (England) Components: Map (Regional scale) Components: Multi-Use Cards Country: England Country: United Kingdom Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Crowdfunding: Spieleschmiede Digital Implementations: Steam Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Digital Implementations: VASSAL Food & Drink: Beer Game: Brass History: Industrial Revolution Misc: LongPack Games Misc: Watch It Played How To Videos Occupation: Engineer Organizations: The Game Artisans of Canada Theme: Canals
Publisher Roxley, Arclight Games, Board Game Rookie, BoardM Factory, CMON Global Limited, Conclave Editora
Designer Gavan Brown, Martin Wallace, Matt Tolman
Artist Damien Mammoliti, David Forest, Gavan Brown, Gui Landgraf, Lina Cossette, Mr. Cuddington
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Brass: Birmingham?
Brass: Birmingham is designed for 2 to 4 players, offering a robust strategic experience at any of these counts.
What is the average game duration?
A game of Brass: Birmingham typically lasts between 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.
What is the complexity level of the game?
Considered an expert game, Brass: Birmingham has a medium-high complexity (BGG weight of 3.8605/5), ideal for players seeking a deep strategic challenge.
Do I need to know the original Brass to play Birmingham?
No, Brass: Birmingham is a standalone game and does not require prior knowledge of the original Brass. It offers a unique and enhanced experience.
What are the main components of the game?
The game includes a detailed regional map board, multi-use cards, industry and network tiles, money and resource tokens, and more, all with high-quality production.
Who is Brass: Birmingham recommended for?
It is highly recommended for experienced players who enjoy economic strategy games, resource management, network building, and don't mind a bit of 'brain burn' to optimize their moves.
Is there any language dependency for playing?
The game components and cards typically have minimal language dependency, making it accessible to a wide range of players.