Innovation
- Designer Carl Chudyk
- Publisher Asmadi Games , 4GAMES , Asterion Press , Games7Days , Grok Games
- Illustration Alanna Cervenak , Carl Chudyk , Cara Judd , Robin Olausson , Anders Olausson , Robert Simmons
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Innovation, you develop your civilization using only cards, without a board or dice. You play innovations from various ages that have unique effects to strengthen your society or hinder opponents. Strategic hand management and layering your cards are key to success. You also share in opponents' technologies by collecting visible icons. The goal is to claim achievements by meeting criteria or scoring points. Each game unfolds differently due to the diverse card effects and strategies.
Who Is This Game For?
Innovation is designed for 2 to 5 experienced players aged 12 and up who enjoy complex card games with strategic depth. With a playtime around 60 minutes, it fits well into game nights. While it requires some understanding of hand management and tableau-building, it remains accessible to ambitious players without extensive prior experience. There is no solo mode included.
How It Works
Players build their tableau by playing cards representing innovations from different eras. Hand management and layering mechanics allow activation of card effects and accumulation of icons. Mechanisms like Follow, Melding, and Splaying influence your board and those of opponents. The game ends suddenly when a player meets certain achievement conditions. Tags on cards create thematic and tactical links during play.
What Makes It Special
Innovation by Carl Chudyk won the 2010 Golden Geek Best Card Game and Meeples Choice Award. It stands out by combining tableau-building and hand management within a civilization theme. The wide variety of cards and effects ensures high replayability. It belongs to the Innovation family and is also available digitally on platforms like Board Game Arena.
Awards
2010
- 2010 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
Pro
- High replayability due to diverse card effects
- Deep engine-building with tableau-building and hand management
- Winner of Golden Geek Best Card Game 2010
- Innovative civilization theme without a board
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Relatively complex rules, suited for experienced players
- Around 60 minutes playtime requires focus
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game covers civilization development from prehistory to the near future, represented by innovations spanning multiple ages. It forgoes a traditional board, focusing instead on cards symbolizing technological and societal progress.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Start by mastering basic mechanics like layering and follow before exploring complex combos.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Innovation is designed for 2 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts around 60 minutes, suitable for game nights.
What prior experience do I need?
The game requires understanding of hand management and tableau-building, making it an expert-level card game.
How does this compare to similar games?
Innovation combines tableau-building with unique card effects and sudden death endings, setting it apart from other civilization games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and minimum age of 12, it is better suited for experienced players than casual family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of layering, melding, and follow mechanics provides strategic depth and versatile interaction.
Fazit
Innovation is highly recommended for players seeking complex card games with innovative mechanics. It suits strategists who enjoy versatile tactics and interaction. However, beginners without card game experience may find the learning curve steep.
