Stats:
No. of players: 2-7
Amount of time to play: 30-45 min
Age requirements: 10+
Set-up time: 5 minutes

7 Wonders Rules Description:

7 Wonders is card game about building a civilization. You might even build one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.

7 Wonders has won a bunch of awards since it came out. So I thought I should finally write my own review of this award-winning game.

You begin 7 Wonders by randomly selecting a wonder. Each wonder is different and gives you bonuses based on which stages of the wonder you have built. The wonders are double-sided to for some added variety. You also get three dollars.

The game is broken up into three ages. You start each age with 7 cards. On your turn you will build one of the cards and then pass the rest to the player on your right or left (depending on the age). Your only other option is to discard a card for three dollars. Once you have built six cards the age is over.

There are 6 different types of cards to build: resources, victory points, military, market, science and guilds. Most buildings cost resources or money to build. Each round, your resource buildings produce a specific type of resource. If you don’t have the resources you need to build a building you may buy resources from your neighbor for two dollars.

Military buildings will get you victory points if you have more total military then your neighbors. Market cards tend to get you money or make it cheaper for you to purchase resources from your neighbors.

Science building cards have one of three symbols at the top. You score points for each set of the three you build. They are also worth victory points equal to the number you have squared.

Guilds are only built in the third age and will get you points based on the types of buildings you or your neighbors have built.

After each age is over you’ll compare your military strength to your neighbor’s. If you have more you gain some victory points and they’ll lose one. After the third age is finished you tally points for each building type plus leftover money and your wonder. The player with the highest score wins.

A Quick Review of 7 Wonders:

7 Wonders is award-winning for good reason. It scales great, is easy to teach and fun to play. There are several paths to victory and you’ll have to make the most of your hand each turn.

The rule book and components look great and the art work on the cards is very nice. Everything is easy to follow and understand.

The learning curve for this game is fairly short and most new players will have a handle on 7 Wonders after the first play.

If you have thought about checking out 7 Wonders or want to know if it is as good as most people say you should pick it up or try it out. You won’t be disappointed.

Score and synopsis: (Click here for an explanation of these review categories.)
Strategy 4 out of 6
Luck 4 out of 6
Player Interaction 4 out of 6
Replay Value 4 out of 6
Complexity 3 out of 6
Fun 5 out of 6
Overall 6 out of 6