Mosaic: A Story of Civilization

Forbidden Games, Arrakis Games, Gémklub · Board game · 2022
2–6 · best 4 120 min Weight 3.1/5
7.6 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Buy
7.6 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love civilization games with depth but want something more dynamic than 10-hour epics. The highlight is the satisfying feeling of empire progression.

Highlights
  • Very satisfying technology progression
  • Diverse specialization strategies
  • Visually appealing components
  • Genuine feeling of empire building
Keep in mind
  • Steep initial learning curve
  • Game time can be quite long
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Ever wondered what it would be like to shape human history your own way? In Mosaic: A Story of Civilization, you step into the shoes of a civilization architect, aiming to create a 'mosaic' of achievements, technologies, and infrastructure. Designed by Glenn Drover—a veteran known for Age of Empires III and Sid Meier's Civilization—the game's depth reflects this pedigree.

The gameplay revolves around action selection. On your turn, you choose from several core options: researching new technologies, founding cities and towns, erecting monumental Wonders, or recruiting military units to expand your reach. To achieve these, you'll need to manage resources like stone, food, and ideas, alongside money, which acts as the universal currency for trade and taxes.

The real heart of the game lies in the 'pillars of civilization'. By specializing in areas such as Science, Culture, Government, or Militarism, you don't just unlock advanced technologies; you can also claim a prestigious 'Golden Age' for that specific pillar. As you expand your territory with cities and units, scoring cards are revealed, rewarding those who dominate specific regions. The tension builds as the game progresses, culminating in a final scoring phase where your projects, achievements, and the unique composition of your civilization mosaic determine the winner. It's a game of pure strategy where specialization and timing are key. Will you build an enlightened empire or an unstoppable military powerhouse?
Expansions
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Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Misc: LongPack Games Misc: Watch It Played How To Videos
Publisher Forbidden Games, Arrakis Games, Gémklub, Pendragon Game Studio, Portal Games, Sylex
Designer Glenn Drover
Artist Annie Stegg, Erica Rossi, Grzegorz Pedrycz, Hendrik Noack, Jacoby O'Connor, Jared Blando, Jessica Riola
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too complex for beginners?
It has a medium-high weight (3.05 on BGG), so it's not an entry-level game. Reading the manual or watching a tutorial is highly recommended.
How long does a game take?
The estimated time is around 120 minutes, though it may vary depending on the group and player count.
Can I play it solo?
Solo rules are included in Kickstarter editions. Retail versions might lack them, but print-and-play options are available.
What is the ideal player count?
It supports 2 to 6 players, but the experience is generally smoother with 3 or 4 players.
Is it similar to Sid Meier's Civilization?
Yes, it shares the theme and the feeling of evolution, but the 'mosaic' mechanic and action selection give it its own unique identity.