Game Play
Extremely quick and simple. Players take coins, shake them up in their hands, and then SLAM them down on the table. Any coins that land with your side (heads or tails, duh) face up are used for actions. If all 4 coins are on your side you can place up to 3 of them on the map, but have to pay 1 to your opponent if you do place 3. If 2 or 3 show your side, you can place 2 of them on the map. If only 1 is showing your side, then you get to place it and move a coin on the map. If none show your side, then you get to remove a coin from the map and move a coin. That is it. Coins are valued from 1point (dimes) up to 4 points (quarters). At the end of the game, you get points for your coins on the map, and also can get bonus points by controlling regions on the map.
Components
This game was just funded on Kickstarter, so it'll have more official components, but it really is just a single card. Plus 20 coins. That is it. For my game I just drew on a napkin. This is micro game of all micro games. I really wish I'd taken a picture of the napkin we played on to show you, but you'll just have to live with these pictures. Simplest component game ever.
Strategy & Tactics
There is actually a decent amount of strategy in the game. At the end of the game, you really want your quarter controlling a spot on the map. Which is worth 4 points. However, quarters can't be placed on top of any other coin. So it needs to be a sneak play in order to be sure you get it on and your opponent doesn't have time to cover it up with any of the other denominations of coins. Then there are the region bonuses. Where if you control all the territories in a region, the points you score are doubled in that region. There is plenty of room for tactical and play in this game.
Overall
Honestly, I like deeper games. This was fine, but not the greatest thing ever. However, bang for your buck can't be better. I really did find it innovative (not the game play as much as the simplicity of components to get that game play). It only takes about 10 minutes to play, so it isn't one I won't ever play ever again, but I probably would rather play a few other 2 player games that last 10 minutes or at least mix them up a lot. It is tough to say anything negative about this game, as it does exactly what it sets out to do, what it sets out to do isn't my favorite type of gaming though.
Recommendations
Anyone & Everyone - This one is available for print & play. So why not try it? You don't even have to print anything off. You can just look at the map and draw it quickly like I did on that napkin. Then just get a $1.56 in change and control that napkin!
2-Person Lunch Groups - I only get 30 minutes for lunch at work, so some of the longer games out there wouldn't fit. Coin Age fits perfectly in that time and is easily portable in my pocket or lunch box. A solid game for lunch time with one other person.
Time and Money Strapped Game Hungry Fellers (or Gals) - It's the holidays. Everyone is really busy. Target gives your credit card out and you lose all your money. Well, get that change you never use, make this game, and play. It won't take any time or credit cards.
*Every 100 Games Series - Back in March of 2006 I began tracking each session of the various board and card games I play. I soon got the idea to write a review on every 100th game I played, one because I like writing reviews, and two because it is interesting to see what game I review next. You can find a list of all of them here: Every 100 Games Series Reviews.
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