7.9
rating
Ludopedia
7.3
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you love card games with tons of interaction and insane replayability, Innovation is a perfect fit to test your strategic skills.
Highlights
- Brilliant multi-use card mechanic
- Intense player interaction
- Guaranteed high replayability
- Engaging civilization theme
- Deep and rewarding strategy
Keep in mind
- Initial learning curve
- Can be a bit chaotic
- Depends on player interaction
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Hey everyone! Get ready for an epic journey through human history, from prehistory to the near future, all in the palm of your hand with Innovation! Forget giant boards, tokens, and dice; here, your civilization is built entirely with cards. Each of the 105 (or 115 in the fourth edition!) innovation cards has a unique effect and is thematically linked to its age, allowing you to boost your society or attack opponents in very creative ways.
The cool thing about Innovation is how you build your card 'tableau.' You'll 'meld' cards to activate their powers and 'splay' stacks to display colored icons. These icons are super important, as they not only increase the power of your actions but also allow you to 'piggyback' on your opponents' technologies if you have enough icons. It's a game of pure strategy, where every decision matters and planning to share (or defend against) effects is crucial.
To emerge victorious, you need to claim 'achievements,' which can be obtained by accumulating points or meeting specific criteria with the innovations you've developed. The great thing is that no two games of Innovation play the same way, ensuring insane replayability. The core rules are consistent across editions, but card effects vary a bit, keeping the game fresh and challenging. If you enjoy a deep card game with lots of interaction, Innovation is a sure bet!
The cool thing about Innovation is how you build your card 'tableau.' You'll 'meld' cards to activate their powers and 'splay' stacks to display colored icons. These icons are super important, as they not only increase the power of your actions but also allow you to 'piggyback' on your opponents' technologies if you have enough icons. It's a game of pure strategy, where every decision matters and planning to share (or defend against) effects is crucial.
To emerge victorious, you need to claim 'achievements,' which can be obtained by accumulating points or meeting specific criteria with the innovations you've developed. The great thing is that no two games of Innovation play the same way, ensuring insane replayability. The core rules are consistent across editions, but card effects vary a bit, keeping the game fresh and challenging. If you enjoy a deep card game with lots of interaction, Innovation is a sure bet!
GALLERY
11 photos · from the community
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
In English
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How to Play Innovation
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Nights Around a Table - How to Play Innovation
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2GASCB - Innovation Tutorial
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Game Salute Presents: Innovation Video Overview
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Innovation - Part One (Overview and Rules)
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Our most Inaccurate Tutorial yet
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Solo Overview
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Innovation - Playthrough With Friends
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The Real People Multi-Game Solitaire Mega Tournament- Combined Game Of Tempus and Innovation 1 With Special Guest Joe D'Agostino
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Dwiggy's Demos presents Innovation - Part Two (Setup and Demo)
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How To Play Innovation
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Présentation
2
BEST
3
REC
4
OK
5
OK
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Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Asmadi Games, 4GAMES, Asterion Press, Games7Days, Grok Games, Hobby Japan
Designer
Carl Chudyk
Artist
Alanna Cervenak, Anders Olausson, Cara Judd, Carl Chudyk, Robert Simmons, Robin Olausson
How many players can play Innovation?
Innovation is designed for 2 to 5 players, but the experience changes slightly depending on the number. With 2, it's a strategic duel; with more, interaction and chaos increase!
What is the average game length?
A game of Innovation usually lasts between 20 and 60 minutes. The duration can vary quite a bit depending on the number of players and everyone's familiarity with the rules and cards.
Is Innovation a complex game to learn?
It has a BGG weight of 2.78/5, placing it in the medium complexity category. The initial learning curve can be a bit steep due to the unique card interactions, but once you get the hang of it, it flows very well.
What are the main components of the game?
The game is composed almost entirely of cards! There are 105 (or 115 in the 4th edition) innovation cards, divided into ten (or eleven) ages, each with a unique effect. Simple, yet with immense depth!
Who is Innovation recommended for?
It's highly recommended for players who enjoy strategic card games with a lot of direct interaction, twists, and high replayability. If you like building an 'engine' of abilities and constantly adapting, you'll love it!
Are the different editions of Innovation very different?
The editions keep the core gameplay intact, but the specific effects of some cards have been adjusted, and the 4th edition added an 11th age. The essence of the game remains the same, but some cards may have been balanced or changed.