You lead a grand civilization at the height of its influence, but can you save it from collapse? In Empire's End, 2-4 players compete to keep calamity at bay. Empire's End marries the intuitive and elegant mechanism of reverse-bidding with engine-building, long-term planning, and strategic depth. The result is a game with a quick tempo, abundant tension, and multiple challenging paths to victory. Players begin with a civilization at the height of its power. Play proceeds through a series of phases, varying as you progress through the game. During the Disaster phase, players face a common threat such as famine, a flood, or barbarians. The player who ends the bidding must take the disaster, which devastates one of their territories. With each disaster that befalls an empire, its people grow in wisdom and resilience. In the style of the modern classic game No Thanks, resources bid by all players will end up in the hands of the player who ultimately takes the disaster card. That player also gains a new ability, an innovation that reflects their empire's ability to adapt in the face of challenging times. Each turn, players move along a progress track that dictates whether they will face a disaster or another type of phase. Players can gain new resources during Production phases, rebuild lost territories during Industry phases, and challenge one another during Military phases. At the end of the progress track, the game is concluded and the winner is the civilization with the greatest number of victory points. Intact territories contribute points, but innovations and military successes can provide alternative ways to win.

Read more less

Yucatan is a strategic board game where players take on the role of a Mayan city leader, competing to win the favor of the gods. Capture enemies with your warlords, sacrifice prisoners to the gods, and enlist the help of mythological creatures and heroes to increase your power and dominate your opponents. With four seasons of fierce fighting, each decision counts in building the glorious and eternal sanctuary of the mighty Mayan gods. Become more formidable and glorious with every passing season, but remember that your opponents are doing the same. Sacrifice captured enemies at the end of each season to gain reputation, but beware of the demanding gods who require each sacrifice to be more glorious than the last. Your goal is to capture prisoners and prepare for the ritual sacrifices, ensuring that each move strikes the right balance in your quest for dominance.

Read more less