7 Wonders -- test drive

[Grim Ironjaw]

I picked up 7 Wonders, a card drafting & civilization-building game which has been racking up awards left and right.

I've only just opened the box, but what I hear is that in addition to being a ton of fun, it:

• is easy to learn
• plays in 30 minutes, regardless of the number of players!! (2-7 can play)
• has a lot of replay value

Who would like to give it a test run with me one of these weekends?

[Seb]

Sounds cool! I would like to try it sometime. I am very busy on the weekends though.

[Grim Ironjaw]

Sounds cool! I would like to try it sometime. I am very busy on the weekends though.

Glad for your interest, but weekdays are usually either work or family time for me.
Then again, maybe I could come to an agreement with the wife one of these days....

[Seb]

Maybe if there is an event that we both attend we could give it a try.

[Grim Ironjaw]

I've played 4x now, so here are some things that stand out:

• The rules are fairly simple, but there's enough depth to keep it interesting.
• Everyone takes their turn at the same time, so you never have to sit around waiting.
• There should be something worth doing on each of your turns. (Unlike, say, Catan, where you might have several dead turns as you wait for your numbers to come up)
• Games have taken about 40 mins. I could see them going about 20-30 mins once people get more familiar with the rules and strategies.
• The cards and boards primarily use symbols, so speakers of different languages can play together with little difficulty. The game rules are available in many languages, including Japanese, if necessary.

I'm bringing 7 Wonders to Ashmie's event this coming Sunday, to play in the afternoon around 2.
Let me know if you're interested.

[Tenorikuma]

My friends and I have played it about a dozen times now. You can definitely play in 30 minutes once everyone knows the game.

Each turn, you face difficult choices, wanting to do more than the cards and remaining turns will allow. I think that's the sign of a good game.

[Grim Ironjaw]

I've played 6 times now with 3 different playgroups, including once in Japanese with 3 Japanese friends.
So far everyone has seemed to really enjoy it and has picked it up quickly.

I'll bring it to Mondo Books the next time I go.