The Golden Ages

The Golden Ages is a fun, fast-paced civilization game that I've been really enjoying. It's a nice change from the typical "big box" civ games like Civilization or Through the Ages, and it feels like a perfect stepping stone if you're looking for something a bit more strategic than the usual gateway games. I think the game is well-designed, with a good balance of choices and complexity. The "Golden Ages" mechanic is a nice twist on the typical point-scoring system, and it adds a lot of replayability.

I do agree with other reviewers that the artwork isn't the best, and the lack of a player board was a little disappointing. But, these are minor quibbles. The game is very playable, and I love that it can be finished in under 2 hours. It's great for a casual game night with friends. The game is a bit thin on the strategy side, but I think the expansion, "Cults and Culture," helps with that. I'm planning to pick that up soon.

If you're looking for a fun, quick civilization game, I highly recommend The Golden Ages. It's a solid game that's easy to learn but provides enough challenge to keep things interesting.