Stephens

Description

In Stephens, you'll embark on a thrilling journey to become the most renowned master glassmaker in town, all while working under the shadow of the famous William Stephens. The game is set in a time of great need, after the devastating earthquake of 1755 that ravaged Lisbon and Portugal's southern coast, and the demand for window glass has skyrocketed. As a player, you'll take on the role of a skilled glassmaker competing against others to build your reputation and prestige. With a playtime of 60 to 120 minutes, you'll have plenty of time to strategize and outmaneuver your opponents, whether you're playing solo or with up to three friends. As you navigate the game, you'll develop your skills through a unique action-selection mechanism, choosing from a variety of options on each turn. You can activate the Stephens factory, where you'll work alongside other players, or focus on your personal investments, promoting the creation of jobs and growing your business. The game's complexity is just right, with rules that are easy to learn, especially for those already familiar with board games. With mechanics like contracts, income, investment, and worker placement, you'll need to balance your resources and make clever decisions to stay ahead of the competition. As you progress, you'll also have the opportunity to collect sets, research new technologies, and optimize your workflow, all while keeping an eye on the looming threat of the Napoleonic forces. The game comes to an end when the Napoleonic forces arrive in town, and the player with the most prestige is declared the winner. Designed by Costa, Rôla, and published in 2024, Stephens offers a fresh and exciting take on the economic and industry/manufacturing genres. With its engaging gameplay and historical context, it's the perfect choice for anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. So gather your friends, get ready to roll up your sleeves, and start building your glassmaking empire – the fate of the town is in your hands, and the legacy of William Stephens is waiting to be surpassed.

Friends and Places with Stephens