Game of the Month, October 2023: Century Golem Edition

Century: Golem Edition should be on your radar. There’s no question of this. Really, it’s Century more generally that you should be aware of; the game was originally themed around spice trading but the ‘Golem Edition’ is, although mechanically the same, a far more beautiful game with a distinctive and whimsical art style.

This visually captivating and thoroughly engaging (if occasionally infuriating) board game quickly became a firm favourite at my table, and at the local games club. It is also a very worthy recipient of our Game of the Month for its unique blend of resource management, stunning artwork, and easy-to-learn mechanics.

Century: Golem Edition takes you to a world filled with magical golems and rare crystals. Players take on the role of gem traders, collecting and trading these valuable resources to exchange for golems and earn points. The game’s central mechanics involve card drafting, resource management, and hand management, making it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned board gamers.

One of the standout features of Century: Golem Edition is its gorgeous artwork. The beautifully illustrated cards and components bring the game’s fantasy world to life, immersing players in the story. Each golem and crystal has a unique design, adding to the game’s overall charm.

The gameplay itself is a perfect balance of simplicity and strategy. Although you take only one action per turn, you’ll find yourself making meaningful decisions with every move, whether it’s acquiring a new card, trading resources, or buying golems. The game’s natural pace keeps you engaged throughout, and it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a mix of strategy and accessibility. One slight criticism of the game would be that this pace does become little more frantic once you have 5 players round the table. It becomes a lot harder to plan ahead when you have so many people interacting with the game, looking at the same cards, and racing towards the same goals. Stop taking my cards!

Century: Golem Edition can be enjoyed in different ways by different groups. It’s great pick for a casual game night with friends or for a more intense strategic showdown at club. The game’s components are of high quality, and are just pretty. In addition to the card art, you’ve got the lovely, little gems that form the currency of the game, and the metal bonus coins that are satisfying to fidget with as you consider your next move.

I love this game. It’s often my first choice at game night, and that’s among some pretty steep competition. I could play this game over and over and over again. Heck, I do play this game over and over and over! It was number 5 in last year’s Top 50 and it’s inconceivable that it’s not going to be in this year’s top 10. Game of the month, yo!