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Set in the backdrop of archaeological expeditions, Archeos Society invites players to experience unearthing ancient artifacts and unraveling the secrets of bygone eras. As participants embark on their quests, they compete against rival teams.
👥 2-6 players, ages 12+
⌛ Playing time: 60 minutes
📝 Designer: Paolo Mori
🎨 Artwork: John McCambridge
🏢 Publisher: Space Cowboys (review copy provided by Asmodee Belgium).
Each game of Archeos Society unfolds over several seasons, with the exact number determined by the participating players. Within each season, players navigate through a series of turns in which they face two possible actions: gaining a card or launching an expedition.
🃏 To gain a card, a player can select one from the display on the table or draw blindly from the main deck. However, players should remain alert to the hand limit, ensuring their total cards don’t surpass 10. Embedded within the main deck are the monkey cards and the appearance of the third monkey card can abruptly conclude a season.
🗺️ Launching an expedition involves playing a series of cards with matching colors or roles. As players formulate their expeditions, the diverse roles within their card deck begin to shine. For instance, a Botanist introduces an opportunity to amass additional points, while the Curator’s prowess lies in gathering and showcasing relic tokens on a museum board.
🔚 When the third monkey card surfaces, it signals the end of a season. All players must return any unplayed cards from their hands and the display to the deck. This is followed by resolving any “Season End” role effects, which vary based on the roles in play during the game. Additionally, players accumulate points from the archaeological sites according to the positions of their vehicles. These vehicles maintain their positions for the subsequent seasons. Furthermore, points are awarded for each played expedition, with the amount determined by the size of the expedition. As the last season concludes, the person amassing the highest points emerges as the most renowned member of the Archeos Society.
Archeos Society, designed by Paolo Mori and published by Space Cowboys, is a reimplementation of the 2017 game Ethnos. Tailored for 2-6 players aged 12 and up, this family game sets you up for roughly 60 minutes of playtime. The gameplay mechanics are built around hand management and set collection, and while it initially gives off a straightforward vibe, there are several layers to explore.
🃏 Players predominantly juggle between two actions: gaining a card or initiating an expedition. This might sound basic, but the game throws in 12 distinct roles, allowing only 6 in any particular game, which introduces variability. These roles aren’t just for show; they carry effects that can be immediate, ongoing, or related to the season or game end. The archaeological site boards, which are double-sided, add further twists and turnabouts, ensuring no two games feel the same.
🐒 An unpredictable factor in the game is the monkey cards. Their random appearance means seasons can end unexpectedly, introducing an element of surprise. This might not sit well with everyone, especially those leaning toward more predictable games. On the brighter side, the game rewards players through both archaeological sites and the expeditions they’ve launched, opening multiple avenues to score.
🎨 In terms of presentation, there’s a mix of hits and misses. John McCambridge’s card illustrations are a highlight, beautifully capturing each role’s essence. The wooden vehicles, though a small component, add a tactile charm. On the flip side, the scoreboard could have been sturdier, and the muted player colors don’t exactly pop on the table. It might take a couple of rounds to grasp the iconography fully, and a player aid summarizing the roles’ abilities would have been handy. However, the thoughtful storage inside the box does make setup and pack-up more streamlined.
💭 Archeos Society is a family game that balances straightforward gameplay and diverse options. While it may not be the deepest strategy game out there, it provides a mix of quick decisions and light strategic elements. If you’re searching for an easy-to-learn game with good replayability, this could be a worthy addition to your collection.
📝 Disclaimer: We received a review copy from Asmodee Belgium.
