Phoenicia

Grow a Phoenician-style city state and bid against your neighbours for the technologies that keep your people fed.

Designer: Thomas Lehmann
Published by: JKLM Games
Editions by: Rio Grande Games

Empires rise and fall, but a smart ruler in the gaps between them can build a city state that outlasts the neighbours: think Tyre and Sidon. In Phoenicia you grow an empire worthy of the history books by building your economy, raising your population and keeping rivals at arm's length. Your neighbours challenge you to reach the next technology step, the one that keeps your people fed, and you bid against each other to get there first. Some mechanics were inspired by Outpost. A 2007 economic civilization game for two to five players that runs about ninety minutes and leans on auctions.

Ancient-world city state buildingAuctions for technology advancesInspired by the Outpost design

Who it's for

You like civilization games driven by bidding and growth, and you remember Outpost with fondness.

Not for you if…

You want conquest or a lot of direct combat. This one is about economics and outbidding people.

Vibe's take

A tense economic engine with bidding at its heart. You always know what you need next, and so does everybody else.