Empire Engine^*

Empire Engine is a short card game for 2 to 4 players in which rival empires turn gears to pick their actions and bluff each other for points.

What is it about?

Mekannis once thrived under the Great Engine, a vast thinking machine built into the molten heart of the world. Then its rulers' hubris broke it. Now four empires race to restore the Engine and fulfil a prophecy.

• Kestrel Dominion: hereditary rulers bound by honor.
• Nova Centralis: a plutocracy guarding its economic edge.
• Sylphian Commonwealth: once verdant, now poisoned.
• Grail Prelacy: a theocracy driven by prophecy.

How a round works

1. Everyone simultaneously chooses how to rotate their gears.
2. The engines turn, and the top edge shows the round's actions.
3. You attack, defend, salvage, export, or collect resources.

Resources include goods for export, soldiers for attacks, and inventions for points. The winner has the most points from the goods, soldiers, and inventions in their score pile when the game ends.

Who is it for?

Designed by Matthew Dunstan and Chris Marling, a game takes about 30 minutes. It suits groups who enjoy quick clashes and guessing what others are up to. The rules stay manageable throughout.

Conclusion

If you want a light, quick bluffing game with a clever rotating mechanism, this fits well. If the backstory has you expecting an epic empire builder, you will not find one here.