Genesis: Empires and Kingdoms of the Ancient Middle East

GMT Games · Board game · 2015
— Ludopedia 7.1 BGG 1–5 · best 4 Solo 450–600 min Weight 3.2/5
Buy · from US$ 59.64
— rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you're a fan of epic wargames and civilization strategies that let you rewrite history, Genesis is a feast! Get ready for hours of immersion in the Bronze Age, where your decisions will shape the destiny of empires. It's a dense game with a lot of strategic depth, ideal for those seeking a challenging and rewarding experience.

Highlights
  • Deep civilization strategy
  • Rewrite history
  • Trade route control
  • Epic and immersive
  • Variety of empires
Keep in mind
  • Long game duration
  • Steep learning curve
  • Not for beginners
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Genesis transports you back to the turbulent Late Bronze Age, in the heart of the Middle East, an era where empires rose and fell, shaping the foundations of Western Civilization. But make no mistake, this isn't a game to simply relive historical events; here, you are the architect of your own empire. Inspired by classics like Pax Romana, Genesis provides you with the historical dramatis personae of the era and the freedom to rewrite destiny. Prepare for an epic journey where controlling vital trade routes and commercial centers is as crucial as building spectacular monuments that will echo through posterity. You can play solo or with up to four friends, each taking on the role of one of the great Mesopotamian Bronze Age empires: Egypt, The Hittites, The Mitanni, Assyria, or Babylonia. In addition to the main protagonists, 'minor' kingdoms like Arzawa, Canaan, and Elam enter the fray through event cards, adding layers of complexity and opportunities. Economic expansion is key to your empire's growth, but this will inevitably lead to clashes with your rivals. Ancient gods play a significant role, as do the caravan centers that bring riches from distant lands. And don't forget the peasants, slaves, and technological innovations, such as chariotry, which can turn the tide in your favor. Get ready to forge your legacy!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–5 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Ancient: Babylon Ancient: Mesopotamia Components: Map (Continental / National scale) History: Wars in the Ancient Near East Region: Middle East
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Richard H. Berg
Artist Knut Grünitz, Mike Lemick, Rodger B. MacGowan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

969owners
294wishlist
58want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average game duration for Genesis?
Get ready for a marathon! A full game of Genesis can take anywhere from 450 to 600 minutes, which is about 7 to 10 hours. It's a game to dedicate a whole day to or split into multiple sessions.
How many players can participate?
Genesis can be played by 1 to 5 players. Yes, it includes a solo mode for those who enjoy individual challenges!
What is the complexity level of the game?
With a BGG weight of 3.1935/5, Genesis is considered a medium to high complexity game. It requires dedication to learn the rules and master the strategies.
What are the main components of the game?
Expect a detailed map of the Bronze Age Middle East, numerous event and battle cards, tokens to represent units and resources, dice for combat resolution, and of course, the rulebook to guide you through this epic journey.
Is Genesis a historical simulation game?
Not exactly. While it's set in a real historical period and uses characters from that era, Genesis doesn't aim to simulate specific events. It gives you the tools to forge your own history and empire, with a lot of strategic freedom.
Who is Genesis recommended for?
It's highly recommended for fans of heavy wargames, civilization games, and large-scale strategies who aren't intimidated by long durations and complex rules. If you love diving into a historical world and making decisions that impact the fate of an empire, this game is for you!

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