7 Wonders Duel - Review

A Duel Worth Repeating

7 Wonders Duel designed by Antoine Bauza and Bruno Cathala, published by @reposproduction

Gameplay

Turns are taken alternately to draw cards, each card being one of the buildings on which you can gather resources, build military power, research science, or score points. Three ages are played, with increasing stronger cards in each round. Four "wonders" are also given to each player, giving them special powers. There are three victory conditions; military win (move the conflict token into the other player's capital), science win (acquire 6 distinct symbols) and civilian victory (most points at end)

What did I like

No matter how many times I sit down to play it, it always remains exciting. Every card I draw offers new options for my opponent and vice versa. I also love the fact that it plays quickly, so I can get more than one game in a sitting.

The artwork is clean and nice, and the pieces themselves are decent. We did opt to buy a metal conflict pawn and coins, which does make it feel a little more luxurious. Personally, I really like the size of the cards, it makes the game compact.

What could be better?

There are some wonders that look more powerful than others. I tend to gravitate toward the ones that offer a second turn, and if I can't acquire them, I feel a bit at a disadvantage.

There is also a random element when drawing cards, revealing hidden facedown ones. I don’t find it too bad, but people I’ve played with have complained that it can turn momentum against you. I suppose it can be frustrating... especially in a tight game.

Zara (who’s relatively new to board games) played this once and struggled with the iconography. In fact, I’m pretty sure at the end of the game, she was a bit lost. But I’m confident she’ll pick it up after another play.

Overall Rating

I love 7 Wonders Duel. I've played it more than 100 times. It's in my top three two-player games of all time. I'd be happy to rate it a 9 out of 10.