Age of Industry
- Designer Martin Wallace
- Publisher Treefrog Games , Hobby Japan , Wargames Club Publishing
- Illustration Peter Dennis
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Age of Industry, you play as tycoons during the early Industrial Revolution, investing in raw materials, manufacturing, and transport networks to market your goods. The game offers deep strategy, limited by a color-coded regional card system allowing flexible planning. It focuses on the railway era, simplifying Brass: Lancashire by removing the canal phase and reducing playtime.
Who Is This Game For?
Age of Industry suits experienced gamers who enjoy complex economic simulation. With about 120 minutes playtime, it requires patience and strategic thinking. Recommended for players aged 13 and up, it demands familiarity with economic board game mechanics.
How It Works
The game features Hand Management, Open Drafting, Tech Trees, Loans, Market, and Network and Route Building mechanics. Players invest in industries and build transport routes to sell goods. Color-coded region cards restrict where you can build, balancing flexibility and strategic limitation. Managing finances via loans and market dynamics is essential.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Martin Wallace, Age of Industry won the 2010 International Gamers Award for General Strategy: Multi-player. It's a streamlined rework of Brass: Lancashire, focusing solely on the railway era with flexible regional cards. The game combines economic strategy with network building during the Industrial Revolution.
Awards
2011
2010
- 2010 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Deep strategic economic and network building gameplay
- Flexible color-coded regional card system
- Winner of the 2010 International Gamers Award
- Balanced 120-minute playtime for experienced players
Contra
- No solo mode included
- Complexity and duration may deter newcomers
- Recommended age 13+, not suited for younger children
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set during the Industrial Revolution with regional maps like Germany and New England (USA). It simulates the shift from artisan crafts to steam-powered industry.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding hand management and plan your investments and networks strategically without getting overwhelmed.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Age of Industry supports 2 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 120 minutes, providing an extended session for experienced players.
What prior experience do I need?
This is a medium to heavy strategy game requiring experience with economic board games.
How does this compare to similar games?
It's a streamlined rework of Brass: Lancashire focusing on the railway era and flexible regional cards.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and age recommendation (13+), it's less suited for families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of color-coded regional cards with hand management and network building stands out.
Fazit
Age of Industry is recommended for players who appreciate deep economic strategy and medium-long playtime. It is less suitable for casual or family players seeking simpler rules.
