Ocasta

Having made it through the throngs at the ticket office we had a plan to head down to a couple of games on Andy's list - Antike and Il Principe. First up was Antike and when we arrived at the stall a table was free so we wasted no time in getting an explanation and starting the game. Ah, the first game of the day.

A boardgame of growing empires in the Mediteranean. Sound familiar? it should do. There a plenty of games that try to blend economics, expansion and warfare in the ancient world and this is another. I think this one fairs better than most in that for most of the game there was only little fighting. The problem we stopped beofre then end and in the three player game things were getting repetitive. Once everything is occupied warfare is inevitable.

The mechanics are clear and simple, the summary cheats and board (well one side at least - it has two sides with subtley different geography) are in english. Once familiar with the game playing the German side of the board will not be too difficult.

Each player takes turns choosing to produce iron, marble or gold; turning these into armies or navies, temples or progress or moving armies to claim new territory (or invade if you prefer). Combat is simple - largest army wins and the turns are quick. I wouldn't hesitate to play this with five players and maybe even the six it can support. Downtime is minimised.

I'd happily play this if it was brought out at a games session. However, the game doesn't stand out in any way and therefore wont be bought by me.