game profile

Inventions: Evolution of Ideas

Lacerda 2024 — tech-tree civilization

BGG · boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/347305

Inventions: Evolution of Ideas is a heavy game (weight 9/10). The decision tree is among the deepest in the hobby (10/10), with meaningful long-term planning every turn. Decision density is intense (8/10) — expect brain-burn and the occasional bout of AP. Players are constantly affecting each other's plans (interaction 7/10). Direct attacks are minimal (3/10) — the friction comes from contention, not aggression.

Of every game in our catalog, Inventions: Evolution of Ideas is closest to Kanban EV (95% profile match) but scores lower on density (8 vs. 9).

WeightDepthDensityInteractionConflictNegotiationInputOutputCatch-upThemeEngineNarrative
Solo7/10
Fiddly9/10
Players
2P3P4P1P5+P

The 12-axis profile

Every score is on a 0–10 scale. The rubric and methodology behind these numbers is documented in the README.

Thinking

how much brainwork?
Weight
9
Depth
10
Density
8

Inventions: Evolution of Ideas is a heavy game (weight 9/10). The decision tree is among the deepest in the hobby (10/10), with meaningful long-term planning every turn. Decision density is intense (8/10) — expect brain-burn and the occasional bout of AP.

Interaction

how multiplayer is the multiplayer?
Interaction
7
Conflict
3
Negotiation
1

Players are constantly affecting each other's plans (interaction 7/10). Direct attacks are minimal (3/10) — the friction comes from contention, not aggression.

Luck

where does luck live?
Input
4
Output
1
Catch-up
4

Variance is moderate (input 4, output 1/10). Catch-up is moderate (4/10).

Experience

how does it feel?
Theme
8
Engine
9
Narrative
6

The theme is well-integrated (8/10). The engine-building arc is strong (engine 9/10) — early-game investments pay off in explosive late-game turns. There's some narrative flavor (narrative 6/10).

Variance is moderate (input 4, output 1/10). Catch-up is moderate (4/10).

The theme is well-integrated (8/10). The engine-building arc is strong (engine 9/10) — early-game investments pay off in explosive late-game turns. There's some narrative flavor (narrative 6/10).

Games like Inventions: Evolution of Ideas

Ranked by weighted Euclidean distance across the 12-axis profile, using the default research-weighted lens. Click any game to see its full profile.

1Kanban EVBrain-burner · Engine-builder95%similar2The GalleristBrain-burner · Engine-builder94%similar3LisboaBrain-burner · Engine-builder94%similar4Vinhos: Deluxe EditionBrain-burner · Engine-builder94%similar5On MarsBrain-burner · Engine-builder93%similar6SpeakeasyBrain-burner · Engine-builder90%similar

Frequently asked

Answers derived directly from Inventions: Evolution of Ideas's 12-axis profile.

Is Inventions: Evolution of Ideas good solo?
Inventions: Evolution of Ideas works well solo (solo 7/10), though the multiplayer is where the design shines.
What player count is Inventions: Evolution of Ideas best at?
Inventions: Evolution of Ideas is at its best at 2P, 3P; with 4P also strong; 1P, 5+P are the weakest counts.
Is Inventions: Evolution of Ideas a heavy game?
Yes — Inventions: Evolution of Ideas is a heavy game (weight 9/10). Expect a serious rules teach and a multi-hour first session.
How much luck is there in Inventions: Evolution of Ideas?
Inventions: Evolution of Ideas has moderate variance (input 4/10, output 1/10).
Is Inventions: Evolution of Ideas confrontational?
Inventions: Evolution of Ideas is interactive (7/10) but not aggressive (conflict 3/10) — the contention is over shared resources, not direct attacks.

Want to overlay Inventions: Evolution of Ideas against a candidate game and see exactly where they diverge? Open it in the lens →