Time of Crisis: The Age of Iron and Rust

GMT Games · Board game · 2019
1–4 · best 4 Solo 150–210 min Weight 3.2/5
8.5 rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
Buy
8.5 rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're already into "Time of Crisis" and want more Rome on fire, this expansion is a feast! It supercharges the deckbuilding and adds some risky rules that make the game even more tense and strategic.

Highlights
  • More influence cards
  • Daring Emperor rules
  • AI for solo and multiplayer
  • Increases strategic depth
Keep in mind
  • Game requires a lot of reading
  • Long and complex sessions
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Hey folks! Ready to dive headfirst into the Roman Crisis of the 3rd Century? "Time of Crisis: The Age of Iron and Rust" isn't just an expansion; it's a turbo boost for those who already love the base game and want even more of Rome on fire. This beauty doubles the amount of influence cards, opening up a HUGE array of new strategies for you to dominate the Senate, the Legions, and the People. Think about unprecedented combinations and new ways to make your dynasty's legacy immortal (or almost!).

And there's more: the new Emperor Rules are for those who like to take risks. Place your Emperor directly on the board, commanding troops and feeling the danger firsthand. Incredible bonuses await you, but be careful! If your emperor falls in battle or is assassinated, your reign ends right there. It's pure excitement!

To top it all off, the expansion brings optional AI rules for you to play with 2 or 3 players and still have a full 4-faction game. Or, if you enjoy a solo adventure, you can have the AI play against you and feel the full pressure of a collapsing empire. There are three AI profiles to vary the challenge. "Age of Iron and Rust" elevates "Time of Crisis" to another level, with more depth, more options, and the chance to play alone or with friends facing an empire in crisis. Oh, and be prepared: the game requires significant reading in English, so have your translations ready if needed!

This is a game that demands dedication, with sessions that can last over 3 hours, so set aside ample time. The complexity is high, but the reward in terms of immersion and strategy is enormous. If you love historical themes, wargames with lots of management and deck-building, and aren't afraid of an epic challenge, this expansion is for you!
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Families

Ancient: Rome Continents: Europe Game: Time of Crisis (GMT) History: Roman Empire Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Players: Wargames with Solitaire Rules Region: Mediterranean Sea Region: Middle East Region: North Africa
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Brad Johnson (I), Wray Ferrell
Artist Rodger B. MacGowan
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the base game "Time of Crisis" to play "The Age of Iron and Rust"?
Yes, absolutely! This is an expansion, so you need to own the base game "Time of Crisis" to use all the new content.
How long does a game with this expansion typically last?
Games remain long, ranging from 150 to 210 minutes (2.5 to 3.5 hours), depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.
Does the expansion make the game harder?
The complexity increases slightly due to the new options and rules, but the base game's weight is already considered high (3.23/5). The expansion adds more depth, not necessarily a higher entry barrier for existing players.
How many players can participate?
The base game is for 1 to 4 players. The expansion adds optional AI rules that allow playing with 2 or 3 players and still having a full 4-faction game, as well as enhancing the solo experience.
Does the expansion add a lot of new components?
Yes, it doubles the number of available influence cards and introduces new tokens and rules for Emperors and AI factions.
Is this a good game for someone who has never played a 'wargame' before?
It's likely not the ideal starting point. "Time of Crisis" and its expansion are complex and immersive games, better suited for those already experienced with strategy games and historical themes.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has significant language dependency. Having access to a full translation of the cards and rules is highly recommended, as much important information is written.