Board game tested: "7 Wonders: Duel"
17.11.2016
Translation: machine translated
Now it's getting serious: In this game test, we duel to build wonders of the world and lead our civilisations.
"7 Wonders: Duel" is the successful two-player version of the 2011 "7 Wonders" game of the year. A duel - Product Management (Christian) against Marketing (me), a challenge I gladly accept. Unfortunately, Christian has got a bit of a head start. Since he received the sample, he has been playing the board game every free minute. I guess you'd call that an addiction. I now have to fight against my opponent's prior knowledge. I can only hope that luck is on my side.
The game
In "7 Wonders Duel", each player leads a civilisation and constructs buildings and wonders of the world. A game comprises three ages, each of which is assigned a deck of cards. In each of these three ages, you duel according to the same pattern: by buying or discarding the cards in the centre of the board, you either earn money, strengthen your armies (which was clearly Christian's focus), make scientific discoveries (which was my focus, albeit rather randomly, but still) and further develop your city. The special thing about this game is that there are three different ways to win: Military Superiority, Scientific Superiority and Civilian Victory. The conditions for a military or scientific victory can be fulfilled at any time and end the game immediately. If no one has won in one of these ways by the end of the third age, the player with the most victory points wins. The name says it all: Confrontation is clearly at the centre of the game. You must always try to snatch cards that are useful to your opponent or increase the price of resources in order to harm them. A unique game that opens up new possibilities in every game. Here is the direct link to the game instructions.
Facts
- Playing time: 30 minutes
- Number of players: 2 players
- Recommended age: from 10 years
Christian says:
"7 Wonders Duel is the discovery par excellence for me! Hardly any other game has captivated me as much as this card game. Strategically at the highest level and yet you don't have to read through thick books to understand the rules. The instructions are short and after a few test games you'll get the hang of it. The duration of the game is also limited, which makes it easy to play a few games in a row and discover new tactical elements."
- Happiness factor: ★★☆☆☆☆
- Strategy factor: ★★★★★
- Complexity: ★★★☆☆
- Replay appeal: ★★★★★
- Top: Successful strategy game for 2 players with very nice illustrations.
- Flop: Nothing at all, I'm thrilled!
Irene says:
"In the first round of the game, especially at the very beginning, you don't really understand what exactly you're doing. Towards the end, and certainly in the next few rounds at the latest, you start to approach the game in a much more focussed and tactical way. The always exciting basic question: Against you or for me? Even though the game is largely strategic and many moves should be made carefully, a little luck always plays a part. In my opinion, that's what makes a good game."
- Luck factor: ★☆☆☆☆
- Strategy factor: ★★★★☆
- Complexity: ★★★☆☆
- Replay appeal: ★★★★☆
- Top: Strategic game with great replay value. The three ways to win make it extremely exciting.
- Flop: There are hardly any included variations. After many rounds against the same opponent, it could get a little boring at best.
A few words at the end
Although I had to bury my research victory in the last few turns of the game, but at the same time narrowly managed to prevent Christian from defeating my civilisation militarily in a cruel way, I didn't win. He scored what felt like 10 times as many victory points as me. I clearly had to admit defeat in this duel.
But you know what the good thing is? Since I lost, I get to decide which game we test next month. And you can be sure it won't be one that Christian gets addicted to in advance! Let us surprise you.
More about board games:
This is how it was assessed
- Luck factor: 1 star = luck has hardly any influence; 5 stars = game outcome is only determined by luck
- Strategy factor: 1 star = You hardly have to think strategically; 5 stars = You will only win with good strategy
- Complexity: 1 star = Easy; 5 stars = Challenging
- Replay appeal: 1 star = I don't have to play this again immediately; 5 stars = This is addictive
Header image: Starting line-up: Everyone has chosen their wonders of the world, received 7 coins and the playing cards of the 1st age are laid out.
Irene Portmann
Senior Brand Communications Manager
Irene.Portmann@digitecgalaxus.chI love the strategy game “The Settlers of Catan”, the Ravensburger puzzle “Colourful Cupcakes” and the pink fluffy unicorn that sits on my desk (a birthday present from my workmates). Not only do I have a weakness for toys, I also get excited about good food and comedy TV shows.