Near: Echoes of Civilizations
Near: Echoes of Civilizations at your next game night?
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- Designer Matthieu Podevin
- Publisher La Boîte de Jeu
- Illustration Anthony Wolff
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
You guide a civilization through three Ages of four turns each, rewriting antiquity with alternate-history twists. The game centers on cards: play them to trigger events or discoveries, develop five Domains (Transport, Trade, Military, Religion, Production), and build structures on a world hex/grid board. Each Age ends with specific objectives and civilization-dependent endgame scoring.
Who Is This Game For?
For experienced strategy players and those who enjoy civilization-style decision making; recommended for players aged 14+. Expect around 120 minutes per session and a medium-to-high complexity level. Prior familiarity with card-driven or hand-management games is helpful.
How It Works
Core mechanics are Campaign/Battle-Card-Driven play, Multi-Use-Cards and Hand Management combined with Grid/Hexagon-Grid movement/placement. Players play cards to develop Domains, trigger events/discoveries, place structures on the world board, and pursue set-collection goals for scoring. Variable objectives each Age and asymmetric civilization effects shape strategies.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Matthieu Podevin and published by La Boîte de Jeu, Near fuses card-driven systems with hex/grid board positioning and asymmetric civilization starts. The alternate-history theme lets you mix cultural landmarks across ancient civilizations, and variable Age objectives increase replayability.
Pro
- Blend of card-driven mechanics and hex/grid placement
- Variable Age objectives increase replayability
- Asymmetric civilizations and wonders add strategic variety
- Strong alternate-history ancient theme
Contra
- Long playtime (120 minutes)
- Complex card interactions require prior experience
- Minimum age 14 limits family access
Setting & atmosphere
The theme is ancient civilizations (Egypt, Greece, Persia, Rome, Mayans) with alternate-history scenarios that reimagine historical wonders and discoveries on a world map/board.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on understanding Domains and how cards can be used in multiple ways; plan a few turns ahead to leverage multi-use cards.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. The game supports 2–4 players (players.min = 2).
How long does a game really take?
Duration is listed as 120 minutes; allow extra time for setup and rule explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with card-driven and hand-management mechanics is useful.
How does this compare to similar games?
Near pairs Campaign/Battle-Card-Driven mechanics with hex/grid placement and asymmetric civilizations, linking card play to board positioning.
Is this suitable for families?
Unlikely: minimum age 14 and a 120-minute playtime point to a heavier experience.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Campaign/Battle-Card-Driven play, Multi-Use-Cards and Hexagon-Grid positioning is central.
Fazit
Near is a good pick for groups seeking a 120-minute card-driven civilization experience with tactical placement. Not ideal for players looking for shorter, lighter games.
Near: Echoes of Civilizations at your next game night?
Add Near: Echoes of Civilizations to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Near: Echoes of Civilizations to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
