Books of Time

Books of Time

2023
Strategy
3.71 out of 5
Mechanics
Set Collection
Complexity
Medium
Duration
45 - 60 minutes
Number of players
1 - 4 players
Minimum age
14+ years

Books of Time review

I've always been fascinated by the way history unfolds, and Books of Time really captures that feeling of building a civilization from the ground up. It's a unique take on tableau building, where you're not just collecting resources, but actively crafting the history of your civilization by adding pages to your books.

The core gameplay is simple: you collect resources, use those resources to buy pages, and then add those pages to your books. Each book specializes in a different area – trade, science, or industry – and the pages you add give you special abilities and combos that can really change the flow of the game. It's a clever system that rewards thoughtful planning and strategic resource management.

What I love most about Books of Time is the feeling of agency you get. You're not just following a set path; you're actively shaping the direction of your civilization's development. Do you want to focus on trade and become a powerful economic force? Or maybe you're drawn to science and technology, aiming for breakthroughs and inventions? The choice is yours, and that's what makes the game so engaging.

Of course, no game is perfect. Some players might find the setup a bit tedious, and the rules can take a few rounds to fully grasp. But once you get the hang of it, it's a really rewarding experience. If you're looking for a unique and strategic tableau builder that lets you write your own story, then I highly recommend checking out Books of Time.