The New Science

Conquistador Games, Inc. · Board game · 2013
7.3 Ludopedia 6.4 BGG 2–5 · best 5 90 min Weight 2.6/5
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7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

The New Science is a gem for those who enjoy historical games without overwhelming complexity. The experience of managing your own laboratory and competing for the Royal Society is immersive and rewarding. It's a game that flows well, where the asymmetry of the scientists ensures you always have a new strategy to test. If you're looking for a scientific-themed eurogame that is both fun and strategic, this is a solid choice.

Highlights
  • Well-integrated scientific theme
  • Great scientist asymmetry
  • Easy to learn rules
  • Engaging tech trees
Keep in mind
  • Interaction can be punishing
  • Requires careful planning
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Have you ever imagined traveling back to the 17th century to compete with the greatest minds in history and shape modern science? In The New Science, you aren't just an enthusiast; you take on the role of a renowned scientist during the height of the Scientific Revolution. The goal is simple: accumulate enough prestige to be elected the first president of the prestigious Royal Society. To get there, you'll need to intelligently manage your limited time and energy, as every decision counts in a frantic race for knowledge.

The game shines by blending classic worker placement mechanics with historical tech trees. You will need to focus your research on crucial fields like Astronomy, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry. It's not enough to just discover something new; you must test hypotheses, publish scientific papers, hire dedicated assistants, and even exchange correspondence with other luminaries of the era to gain a competitive edge. Player interaction is constant, as space for certain actions is contested, and the influence you exert on the board can determine who leads the scientific vanguard.

What makes every game of The New Science unique is the asymmetry of the characters. Each scientist has specific abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, meaning your strategy must adapt to the genius you choose. Whether you prefer an approach focused on quick publications or building a robust network of assistants, the game offers varied paths to victory. The learning curve is friendly, making it accessible for those looking for a strategic challenge without needing to spend hours reading dense manuals. It's an experience that balances long-term planning with the need to react quickly to opponents' moves. If you enjoy games that mix an educational historical theme with solid worker placement and resource management mechanics, this is an excellent choice for your table. Prepare your instruments, organize your papers, and good luck in your quest for scientific prestige!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Occupation: Researcher / Scientist Theme: Astronomy Theme: Biology Theme: Chemistry Theme: Physics Theme: Science
Publisher Conquistador Games, Inc.
Designer Dirk Knemeyer
Artist Heiko Günther

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,154owners
264wishlist
46want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Is the game difficult to learn?
Not at all! The rules are quite intuitive and easy to teach, making it a great entry point for those who want something strategic without the complexity of a heavy euro.
How long does a game take?
The game is focused, clocking in at around 90 minutes, which is perfect for a game night without dragging on too long.
Does it work well with 2 players?
Yes, it scales well and maintains the tension of competing for spaces and resources even in smaller groups.
Is the scientific theme just cosmetic?
Quite the opposite; the tech trees and the paper publication system reflect the spirit of the Scientific Revolution very well.
Does each scientist play differently?
Yes, the variable player powers ensure that the experience changes drastically depending on which scientist you choose to control.

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