Tapestry Review: A civilization-building game with deep strategy hidden behind beautiful visuals
Stonemaier Games' 2019 release, Tapestry, is a board game that has attracted attention for its innovative design that sets it apart from traditional civilization games.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the true appeal and points to note about this game through actual player reviews and detailed analysis.
This should be a valuable resource for anyone considering purchasing Tapestry or looking for a new type of civilization game.
Game Basics
Tapestry is an engine-building game for 1-5 players where you advance your civilization along four development tracks.
Tapestry is a 1-5 player game (2-4 recommended, 3 best), with a play time of 90-120 minutes, for ages 12 and up.
The designer is Jamey Stegmaier, the artists are Andrew Bosley and Rom Brown, and it is published by Stonemaier Games.
The core mechanic of the game is progressing through four development tracks (science, technology, exploration, and military) to gain progressively better benefits.
You can focus on a specific track or take a balanced approach, and each player is dealt different civilization cards, each with unique abilities.
The appeal of Tapestry: A new experience that goes beyond traditional civilization games
Tapestry's appeal lies in its "pinball machine"-like chain reactions and the infinite strategic variations that come with asymmetric civilizations.
Simple yet profound turn structure
The beauty of Tapestry is that it narrows the choices.
On any given turn, you are presented with only five choices: progress along one of the four development tracks, or take an income turn.
The rulebook is only a few pages long, making it concise enough for new players to understand in about five minutes.
However, from the mid-game onwards, you can build up combo moves, allowing for more powerful and complex turns.
By advancing the science track, you can roll the science die and advance in other tracks, and from the middle of the second era onwards, you can reap the benefits of both tracks when advancing in both tracks.
A novel pinball-like gaming experience
Tapestry provides a "pinball machine"-like experience.
There is an order in which tracks chain together and exploration actions come before military actions to gain greater benefits.
This is similar to how in pinball, you can activate game modes and earn large amounts of points by hitting the lights in a specific order.
Infinite strategic variations with asymmetric civilizations
Each of the 16 civilization cards has vastly different abilities, leading players to different strategies.
For example, Militants move their outposts on the civilization board with each conquest, revealing new benefits.
Futurists, on the other hand, start off four spaces ahead on all four tracks.
This asymmetry makes for highly replayable games, as the path to victory is different each time and there is room for strategy improvement even with the same civilization.
Beautiful components and attention to texture
The matte finish used on everything from the player boards to the rulebook is not only functional but also feels great to the touch.
The carved buildings are beautiful, tactile and have a great tabletop presence.
The artwork by Andrew Bosley creates a beautiful world and the detail on the cards, mats and tiles is incredible.
The colors are muted and very pleasant, not overly saturated, giving it a timeless and unique feel.
Concerns and solutions
There are gaps between expectations and reality as a civilization game, and issues with civilization balance, but there are solutions to each of these.
The gap between expectations for civilization games
For those who purchased Tapestry expecting it to be a "civilization game," the experience may be different from what they expected.
As a civilization game, there are aspects that don't provide the experience fans expect.
Solution: If you think of it as an "engine building game" rather than a civilization game, this gap will disappear.
If you're looking for a traditional civilization gaming experience, this might not be the game for you.
But if you're looking for a beautifully crafted game that's highly satisfying, you'll love it.
Civilization Balance and Random Elements
It has been suggested that some civilizations are more powerful than others, and that random card draws can affect strategy.
Jamey Stegmaier has released some tweaks to Civilization based on community input.
Solution: By using the official tweaked civilizations, the balance issue has been improved.
Also, even if you don't draw the "good" cards, you can adapt and change your strategy a little to deal with them.
Criticism of solitary nature
There is little interaction between players, and it can feel like a solitary game.
Solution: Tapestry depends on what you want to create.
Conquer territories and compete against other players on the same track for a more interactive experience.
If players try to play different styles, it can be frustrating for some players.
Utilization of landmark buildings
It's a shame that beautiful landmark buildings aren't the focal point, or that some are too large to be placed.
Solution: Think of landmarks as a "bonus" and take advantage of the fact that you can place them outside the capital mat.
Recommended for these people and occasions
Perfect for those seeking the high satisfaction of a beautifully crafted game, and fans of asymmetrical gaming experiences.
Perfect for these players
- People who want a high level of satisfaction from beautifully crafted games
- Fans of asymmetric gaming experiences
- Couples looking for a mid- to heavy-duty game that lasts around 2 hours
- People who enjoy pinball-like combos and chains
Recommended play scenes
- Date Night Game: A great 90-120 minute experience for two players
- Introduction for beginners: A complex yet simple structure
- Solo play: Highly rated as a valuable form of entertainment during the pandemic
Expected effects
- Each challenge requires a different strategy, giving you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try new strategies.
- A memorable gaming experience as the story of civilization unfolds
- A "Journey in a Box" with multiple victory routes and diverse strategic combinations
Tapestry is a groundbreaking game that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional civilization games.
With beautiful visuals, sophisticated mechanics and near-endless replayability, this game is a great choice for anyone looking for a new type of gaming experience.
Don't miss this special experience, which weaves together the history of civilization in approximately two hours.
Check the product on the online store page
Free shipping throughout Japan. Orders placed before 3pm will be shipped the same day.
Reference source/quote source
- Board Game Review: Tapestry - That's What Jenni Said
- Tapestry Review - Board Game Quest
- Tapestry: It's Not a CIV Game, and That's Okay - Northern Tabletop Gaming
- Tapestry - Stonemaier Games
- Tapestry Game Review - Meeple Mountain
- Tapestry Board Game Review - Board 'N' Bones
- Tapestry Review - What Board Game
- Tapestry Review - The Tabletop Family