Through The Ages: A New History of Civilization

Through The Ages: A New History of Civilization is a revised and improved edition of the classic civilization-building game, which now brings new cards and mechanics to further enrich the gaming experience. In this strategic game, each player takes on the role of the leader of a civilization, competing to develop a prosperous society throughout different eras, from Antiquity to the Modern Age. Through careful management of resources, players must discover technologies, elect influential leaders, build wonders and maintain a robust army. The importance of balance is crucial, as weakness in any area can be exploited by opponents. The essence of the game lies in card selection, with technologies, wonders and leaders available to be acquired over time. The challenge lies in gathering enough resources, such as science, food and materials, to implement these cards. Military power must also be maintained, as a civilization with a limited army becomes easy prey for more aggressive players. Although there is no physical map where territory can be lost, players can steal resources and population, making the military position a fundamental part of the strategy. Victory is won by the player who has accumulated the most culture at the end of the game, reflecting the development and wealth of their civilization. With a complexity of 4.43 / 5, Through The Ages offers a deep immersion and strategy that will challenge even the most skilled civilization managers.

Age 14 + 180 min 2 to 4 players

Artists: Radim Pech; Jakub Politzer

Designers: Vlaada Chvátil;

Date: 2015

Note: 8.7

Mechanics: Open Buy, Events, Auction / Bidding, Auction: Single Bid, Action Points, Income, Take that

Topics: Economy / Production, History

Table of Contents
- How to Play
- Tips for playing
- Game mechanics
- Game components
- Additional Information

How to play Through The Ages: A New History of Civilization

At the start of the game, choose leaders and action cards that complement your civilization-building strategy. Focus on diversifying your options, avoiding relying on a single type of resource or technology.

Balance the production of food and resources well, as a lag in either of these aspects can limit your future actions. Invest in increasing your population and developing technologies to expand your productive capacities.

Manage the happiness of your population to avoid discontent and possible revolt. Use buildings and culture to maintain social stability and inspire your civilization through military and economic advancement.

Keep an eye on your military strength. Being unprepared can make you an easy target for attacks by opponents. Develop your forces in proportion to the progress of time and invest in tactics and military leaders when possible.

Plan your actions to maximize the efficient use of resources. Make strategic use of the tactics and events cards, and remember to adapt your strategy as the political and military situation in the game evolves.

Pay attention to the leaders and wonders that opponents are developing, looking for countermeasures or alternatives that neutralize their advantages. Adaptation is key to maintaining a competitive position throughout the game.

Main objective

The main objective of the game "Through The Ages: A New History of Civilization" is to develop and lead a civilization through history, starting in the Ancient Ages and progressing to modern times. Players compete to build the most powerful and culturally rich civilization, managing resources, technologies, governments, buildings, armies and historical leaders. The balanced play of strategy and decision-making is key to earning culture points, which determine the winner at the end of the game.

Tips for playing Through The Ages: A New History of Civilization

Here are some tips for doing better in the game Through The Ages: A New History of Civilization:

  • Prioritize science at the beginning to accelerate your technological development options throughout the game.
  • Invest in a balance between resource production and population happiness to avoid revolts.
  • Maintain a competitive army to deter attacks and ensure security, but don't overspend on troops.
  • Choose leaders who complement your overall strategy and adapt to your immediate needs.
  • Pay attention to the political cards and use them to manipulate future events in your favor.
  • Expand your cultural options early on, because culture points are crucial to victory.
  • Discard action cards that aren't useful on your turn to optimize your hand and plan ahead.
  • Monitor your opponents' progress to adjust your strategy and prevent them from shooting into the lead.
  • Invest in balanced infrastructures, such as agriculture and mining, to sustain your growth.
  • Keep an eye on the end of eras to adjust your strategy as new cards and events appear.

Video about the game

Mechanics of Through The Ages: A New History of Civilization

  • Auction / Bidding: In Through The Ages, this mechanic allows players to compete for important military cards, such as territories and leaders, through an auction system. Players must carefully evaluate their military resources when bidding, since overbidding could damage their future capabilities, while underbidding could mean losing a valuable card.
  • Action Points: In this mechanic, players' actions are limited by civilian and military action points. Civilian action points are used to develop technologies, construct buildings and acquire cards, while military action points are used to increase military forces and declare wars. Efficient management of these points is crucial to progress in the game, requiring both short- and long-term strategic planning.
  • Auction: Single bid: In specific contexts, such as colony Entry Waves, players make a single secret bid, revealing it simultaneously. This adds a layer of strategy and bluffing, as players must try to predict the value their opponents might assign to the colony without the chance to adjust their bids.
  • Income: Players manage their civilization's economy through production and consumption resources, such as food and minerals. The building, mine and farm cards determine the amount of resources produced each round. Maintaining a proper balance between production and consumption is essential to avoid stagnation or waste, and directly affects the civilization's ability to expand and innovate.
  • Events: Events have significant impacts and can alter the course of the game, generating beneficial or detrimental effects. Players can influence which events will occur by planning and playing event cards, introducing an element of anticipation and tactics, since predicting or influencing events can favor their strategies.
  • Take that: This mechanic allows for aggressive interactions between players, such as through assaults and wars, where military cards are used to hinder the progress of opposing civilizations. This influences strategic relationships and requires players to consider both defense and offense in their overall tactics.
  • Open Buy: The available civilization cards are laid out on an open 'mat' in the center of the table, allowing all players to see the available options. The costs in action points vary depending on where the card is located on the mat, encouraging strategic decisions about when and which cards to acquire for the development of civilization.

Game components Through The Ages: A New History of Civilization

See all the items in the game below Through The Ages: A New History of Civilization:

  • 329 cards (179 civilization and 150 conquest)
  • 05 boards (order of cards, culture, science, armed forces and current era)
  • 04 individual player boards
  • 250 plastic cubes in 4 shades
  • 28 wooden markers in 4 different colors
  • 01 sheet of stickers
  • 04 quick help letters
  • 01 rule book
  • 01 starter guide for new starts

Additional Information

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