Innovation

Asmadi Games, 4GAMES, Asterion Press · Board game · 2010
2–5 · best 2 20–60 min Weight 2.8/5
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
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
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game
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!
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Innovation English · PDF
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BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 REC
4 OK
5 OK
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Game details

Categories

Families

Components: Multi-Use Cards Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Yucata Game: Innovation Mechanism: Tableau Building
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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.