Antike Duellum

Antike Duellum

2012
Strategy
3.83 out of 5
Mechanics
Rondel
Complexity
Medium
Duration
75 minutes
Number of players
2 players
Minimum age
13+ years

Antike Duellum review

Antike Duellum is a two-player strategy game based on Mac Gerdts' popular "Antike", and it's a real gem for those who enjoy civilization games with a eurogame twist. I've always been a fan of "Antike" and the two-player version doesn't disappoint.

The game takes place across two scenarios, the Punic Wars and the Persian Wars, and the goal is to be the first to acquire nine ancient personages like kings, scholars, and generals. The core mechanics of the game involve managing resources, building cities, developing technologies, and expanding your empire.

One of the things that sets Antike Duellum apart is the rondel system. Players use the rondel to choose their actions, which include resource production, building temples, and expanding your territory. It’s a simple but effective system that offers a lot of strategic choices.

I love the fact that there's minimal luck involved in this game. The combat is determined by unit strength rather than dice rolls, which makes it a pure battle of wits.

The components are beautiful, the rules are clear and easy to understand, and the gameplay is engaging and strategic. I found myself really thinking through every decision, carefully balancing my resources and military strength to achieve victory.

I highly recommend Antike Duellum to anyone who enjoys a solid two-player game with a good dose of strategic depth. It's a beautiful and well-designed game that's sure to provide a satisfying and thought-provoking experience.