Lovelace & Babbage

Artana · Board game · 2019
8.4 Ludopedia 6.7 BGG 2–4 · best 3 15–30 min Weight 2.3/5
Buy · from US$ 43.34
8.4 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy frantic real-time games with a historical and programming twist, Lovelace & Babbage is the way to go! It's a wild race to see who can master the machine first.

Highlights
  • Intense and fast-paced
  • Unique theme
  • Asymmetric abilities
  • Precision challenge
Keep in mind
  • Can be chaotic
  • Time pressure
  • Learning curve
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey everyone! Ready for a trip back in time to dive into the origins of computing? In Lovelace & Babbage, you'll step into the shoes of iconic figures like Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage, the true pioneers of the mechanical era. Each player gets their own unique tricks and abilities, adding that spicy asymmetric gameplay to keep things interesting. The core idea is to program an early mechanical computer to complete tasks for distinguished 19th-century patrons. Think influential figures in fields like art, science, and engineering, who will award you influence points. And the coolest part? It all happens in real-time! Yes, you read that right: everyone's programming the machine simultaneously, in a race against the clock and against the other players. It's a mix of personal objectives and shared goals, where speed and accuracy are key. Whether you're quick on the draw and like to take risks, or prefer a more methodical approach, the game rewards different playstyles. It's an intense and challenging experience that will test your ability to think fast and execute precisely. Perfect for those who enjoy a challenge and want a taste of technological history in a super fun way!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Historical Figures: Ada Lovelace Occupation: Researcher / Scientist Theme: Art style – Art Deco Theme: Computer / Information Technology Industry Theme: Teaching Programming
Publisher Artana
Designer Scott Almes
Artist Heiko Günther, Kwanchai Moriya

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,039owners
278wishlist
29want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime?
Lovelace & Babbage games are super quick, usually between 15 and 30 minutes, perfect for those short on time.
How many players can join?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, ideal for duels or small groups.
Is this game difficult to learn?
The complexity is moderate (BGG weight 2.33/5). The basic rules are simple, but mastering real-time strategy takes practice.
What comes in the box?
You'll find components for programming the mechanical computer, patron and objective cards, along with markers and individual player boards.
Who do you recommend this game for?
Recommended for those who enjoy real-time games, don't mind a bit of chaos, and appreciate historical and programming themes.
Is there a lot of text on the components?
The game has minimal text, making it fairly language-independent after a few plays, as indicated by user reviews.
Can I play this game solo?
Lovelace & Babbage is designed for multiplayer interaction and does not include an official solo mode.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

7 games