# Monumental: African Empires ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2021 - **BGG Rating**: 6.7 - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 1-5 (Best with: 3, 4) - **Duration**: 90-120 min - **Weight**: 3.50 / 5 - **Designers**: Matthew Dunstan - **Publishers**: Funforge - **Categories**: Civilization, Expansion for Base-game, Fighting, Territory Building - **Mechanics**: Action Queue, Area Movement, Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Hand Management, Modular Board, Variable Player Powers ## Verdict African Empires is the expansion that turns Monumental into a much more strategic and dynamic experience. With the introduction of quests and an improved economic system, the game gains layers that challenge even veterans. It is the perfect choice for those looking to breathe new life into their table and explore new ways to dominate the African continent.Well-balanced new civilizationsQuest system adds focusDeeper and more challenging economyContinuous mode improves pacingIncreases total playtimeRequires mastery of base gameExtra rules may confuse beginnersHIGHLY RECOMMENDED ## Description If you have already exhausted the possibilities of the base game of Monumental and feel like your civilization needs a fresh start, the African Empires expansion is exactly what you have been waiting for. It is not just a handful of extra cards; it is a shot of strategic adrenaline that brings new civilizations to the map, each with its own unique style of domination. The highlight here is the introduction of 'Quests,' which give you that extra goal to chase, along with a much more refined economic system that will require you to plan your finances and resources much more carefully than before. Furthermore, those who enjoy a game that flows without interruptions will love the new continuous play mode. It is an expansion that respects the weight of the original game, maintaining the essence of deck building and area movement, but adding layers that make you rethink your expansion tactics. If you enjoy watching your civilization evolve with that extra touch of complexity and want each session to bring a different challenge, this expansion delivers in spades. It is the type of addition that makes Monumental much more robust, balancing combat and resource management in a way that feels like the game was always meant to be this way. Get ready to adjust your strategies, because the advanced economy will change the pace of your table and require you to be much more shrewd when expanding your territory. It is, without a doubt, an essential item for anyone looking to get the most out of the game system. ## FAQ ### Do I need the base game to play African Empires? Yes, this is an expansion and you need the original Monumental to use the components and additional rules. ### Does this expansion change the playtime significantly? It adds a bit more complexity, so expect your games to be slightly longer and more intense, especially with the advanced economic system. ### Are the new civilizations very different from the original ones? Yes, they bring unique abilities that open up new strategies while maintaining balance with the base game. ### Does the continuous play mode make the game easier or harder? It makes the flow smoother by removing pauses, which requires more constant planning and faster game reading. ### Is it worth it for 2-player games? Absolutely! The new quest mechanics and advanced economy add extra flavor to games with fewer players, where area control is more tactical.