Monumental Duel: Espionage

Funforge, Lavka Games · Board game · 2024
2 · best 2 45–60 min Weight 3.0/5
rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love strategic duels with the tension of infiltration and betrayal.

Highlights
  • High replayability due to modularity
  • Smart blend of deckbuilding and area control
  • Espionage theme is very well executed
  • Civilizations have distinct, unique powers
Keep in mind
  • Moderate language dependency on cards
  • Moderate learning curve for beginners
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Imagine having the power to build an empire from scratch, traveling through entire eras — from antiquity to the modern age — but there's a catch: you're not alone. Monumental Duel: Espionage is an intense duel where civilization building blends with the art of infiltration. Here, the focus isn't just on building the most brilliant city, but on how you handle the chaos your opponent tries to sow in your backyard.

In this Espionage box, you'll have access to civilizations such as Aksum, Greece, and the Aztecs. At the heart of the game is a deckbuilding system where you enhance your capabilities while managing piece movement on a modular board. The real twist is in the name: espionage. You won't just attack head-on; you'll act from the shadows, positioning spies to destabilize the opposing city, stealing resources and wealth while watching your rival's downfall.

What makes the game truly interesting is its modularity. Each civilization can be played against any other, and if you own the other Monumental Duel boxes, you can combine the gameplay to create even deeper experiences. It's the kind of game that offers absurd replay value, as the combination of variable powers and board configuration ensures no two matches are the same. If you enjoy the feeling of technological progression mixed with the tension of knowing there's a spy infiltrating your plans, this game is for you. Get ready to plan your actions carefully, as one mistake in your action queue could be the opening your opponent needs to bring down your entire empire.
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BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
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Game details

Families

Mechanism: 4X Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher Funforge, Lavka Games
Designer Matthew Dunstan
Artist Agri Karuniawan, Andreas Rocha, Brian Valeza, CHEN CHANG WEI, Fajareka Setiawan, Georges Bouchelaghem, Goodname Studio, Grafit Studio, Hendry Iwanaga, Ivan Sevic, Justine Cruz, Marco Gorlei, Martin Mottet, Paul Mafayon, Philippe Nouhra, Piotr Dura, Raph Lomotan, Tey Bartolome, Tomislav Jagnjic, Tuan Nguyen, Uros Sljivic
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the game work well with only two people?
Yes! It was specifically designed as a duel, so the balancing is perfect for 2 players.
How long does a game take on average?
Expect to spend between 45 and 60 minutes. It's quite fast considering the depth it offers.
Do I need other boxes to play?
No, the Espionage box is standalone, but if you have the others, you can combine them to expand the experience.
Is the game too complex?
It has a 3/5 weight on BGG. It's not a gateway game, but after reading the rules and a test game, you'll get the hang of it.
Does the language of the cards get in the way?
There is moderate language dependency. If you aren't fluent in the original language, you might need a translation sheet.
What is the main mechanic of the game?
It's a mix of deckbuilding, area control, and an action queue to plan your turns.