Renegade Game Studios: Ezra & Nehemiah - Strategy Board Game, Rebuild The Great City of Jerusalem, Card-Driven Game, Ages 13+, 1-4 Players, 120 Min

This is my first heavier euro game. As a Christian, I found the concept of making a board game about Ezra and Nehemiah intriguing, and wanted to check it out. Also, I have multiple family members that like the Civilization series on PC (which is also a heavy turn based game, albeit where the computer handles the complex rules, but you still have to know about them), and Catan, which is a lightweight Euro board game. So it seemed like it might be a good idea to do a heavy Euro board game.At first, as I started explaining the many rules, there were some glazed expressions and a loud comment of “who came up with this?” Lol. But we started it, and by the third or fourth turn, the complaining about complexity started to die down, and people started to recognize the pictures on the board and get the hang of the game. And that’s one of the great things about this game: the board is *really* well designed with small pictures everywhere that indicate how to play and what to do. The rule book was needed less and less as everyone could just look at the built in picture references.By the end of the game, everyone admitted they really liked it. One of the nice things about this heavier game is that they were many different ways to win, and many different strategies you can take. And one of the things our group most complains about with Catan, which is the dice rolling sometimes being frustratingly unfair, is totally eliminated in this game. There’s almost no luck involved. While there is some randomness built into the initial setup process to make the game play a bit differently each time, once the board is set, it’s all about you and your decisions, and luck goes away. If you win, it’s because you played well. If you lose, it’s because you didn’t. And even though players have slightly different initial abilities in terms of their tiles on their player boards, it feels really well balanced.Finally, this game has really excellent production values. The boards and artwork are just so cool. My wife is not a big board gamer and doesn’t usually like complexity of any sort, and it was actually the artwork and theme that drew her in, and she surprised herself with how much she liked it. So I really recommend this game wholeheartedly, it’s a unique and fun experience. My wife and I plan to play it again tomorrow, and teach it to two of our kids.Tips:1. Be sure to fully read the rules and punch out all the pieces in the days leading up to the date you plan to play. Don’t expect to open the box and just get started! The rule book is 40 pages long, and while again, it will make total sense and really click once you get going, you do need to have had at least one person read it who can serve as leader and help everyone else get their bearings. (Note that you don’t have to read all 40 pages since some are related to rules for solo play, and a few others are for reference, but you still need to cover probably 34 of them). If you just try to open the box and start playing, you will have a bad time because it will take hours to read and get set up that very first time.2. Our kids are older, and I would generally only recommend this for 13+. There is absolutely nothing inappropriate in it for a younger audience, but younger kids may not have the patience to learn it, or be able to deal with the complex choices. But teens who have a normal level of education for their age and an interest in board games should be able to handle it.3. Expect the first game to take longer than the time printed on the box. I do believe 2 hours could be reasonable for an experienced crew, but a first time group might possibly double that.

Ezra & Nehemiah is an outstanding strategy board game that combines historical depth with engaging mid-heavy weight euro style gameplay. The component quality is high, the art is excellent, and it's just cool :1. Rich Historical Theme:This game beautifully brings to life the story of rebuilding Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The historical context adds depth and meaning to the gameplay, making it both educational and engaging. Players get to immerse themselves in a significant historical event, learning about the challenges and triumphs of Ezra and Nehemiah.2. Strategic Depth:The card-driven mechanics provide a rich layer of strategy. Each decision matters, and players must carefully plan their actions to balance resource management, construction, and defense. The variety of cards and actions keeps the game dynamic and ensures that no two games are alike.3. Challenging and Rewarding Gameplay:The game offers a satisfying challenge. Players must work together (or compete, depending on the mode) to overcome obstacles and rebuild the city. There are a number of mechanics in play simultaneously that will challenge you during every turn.4. High-Quality Components:Renegade Game Studios has done an excellent job with the production quality. The game components are well-made and visually appealing. The board, cards, and tokens are all durable and feature beautiful artwork that enhances the thematic experience.5. Versatility for Different Player Counts:Whether you’re playing solo or with up to three friends, the game scales well. The solo mode is thoughtfully designed, providing a challenging and engaging experience. In multiplayer, the game fosters interaction and collaboration, making it a great choice for game nights.6. Comprehensive Rulebook:The rulebook is clear and well-organized, making it easy to learn the game. It includes detailed explanations and examples, which are helpful for new players. The game’s complexity is well-balanced, being deep enough for seasoned gamers while still accessible for newer players. Perhaps not the best "first" Euro type game to learn.7. Long Playtime:At approximately 120 minutes per session, this game provides a rich and immersive experience. The extended playtime allows for deep strategic planning and development, making it a satisfying and engaging experience from start to finish. Can be a negative if you are not fond of longer games.8. Compact size. Not a major thing to many people but the box is a very modest 9x9x3. I like that it stores in a small space.9. Good solo experience. Plays well solo, which is a great way to learnOverall, Ezra & Nehemiah is a must-have for Euro style game enthusiasts. Its combination of historical depth, strategic complexity, and high-quality components make it a standout choice. Highly recommended!

Great strategy game, very thematic and great looking. One of the best games i've played. Only downside is the games will not fit back in the box if sleeved as all games of this designer.

Masterpiece , this is garphill greatest hits board game, beautiful components and board , not so heavy as it seems but definitely one of the ways to experiment the Best mechanics of the Best garphill mostly of the west kingdom trilogy

This is a nice tight classic Euro. Many paths to victory, balanced, a bit of deck building, a bit of resource management, a lot of fun. The board looks intimidating at first, but once you play through a few times it's intuitive and flows smoothly. We play a lot of games and this is one of our, and our friends favorites.

Value for money

I like the theme and mechanics. Strategy and points engine of the game are excellent!

Excellent game