88

An innovative strategy game where players guide the course of history in an ancient land, taking roles as agents of the old order or schemers bringing kingdoms to ruin. The game uniquely remembers the history of previous sessions, creating a persistent narrative that evolves with each playthrough and makes every copy unique to the players who build its story.

88

The Verdict

based on 28 reviews

Positive 0%
Negative 0%
Evocative world-building and deep strategic gameplay.
Strong emergent storytelling and meaningful player interaction/negotiation.
The 'Chronicle system' creates an evolving history, making each game unique and influencing subsequent sessions.
Asymmetric player roles and variable win conditions provide diverse gameplay experiences.
High replayability due to changing game states and player-driven narratives.
Steep learning curve and can be challenging to teach to new players.
Gameplay can feel convoluted, slow-paced, and at times unproductive.
The prevalence of 'kingmaking' as a core mechanic can be frustrating for some players.
Victory conditions can be opaque, and some feel the outcomes can be overly random or that players can get stuck in unrecoverable positions.
100
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Dicebreaker, MattArticleTop List

The reviewer praises Oath for its uniquely enthralling narratives, which evolve through its gameplay and Chronicle system. They consider it the best game played in 2021 and one of the most singular board game experiences ever.

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100
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Shelfside, ShelfsideVideo

This video provides a concise review of Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile, exploring its gameplay, components, and storytelling aspects. It offers both a critical 'Recommender Score' and individual 'Personal Scores' from the two reviewers.

100
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
One Stop Coop Shop, MikeVideo

The video features a complete solo playthrough of Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile, concluding with Mike's personal impressions on the game's solo mechanics and overall experience.

100
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Polygon, Charlie HallArticleTop List

Oath" is praised as an ambitious, intricate game that redefines legacy titles with its rich, historical narrative and complete artistic vision. Its avant-garde nature demands a new player approach, but won't appeal to everyone.

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100
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Roll For Crit, Roll For CritVideo

Roll For Crit reviews Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile, an ambitious, sprawling board game focused on evolving narratives and social interactions. It has multiple paths to victory and stunning components, but its unique nature means it's not for everyone and benefits from a consistent playgroup.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
GamesReviews.com, Kevin AustinArticle

The reviewer considers Oath phenomenal and a 2024 favorite, praising its player-driven stories and evolving gameplay. However, they highlight its deep complexity, chaotic nature, and the necessity of playing with a dedicated group willing to invest in the experience.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Punchboard, AdamArticle

The reviewer highly praises Oath as a brilliant, unique legacy-style game without component destruction, offering deep strategic gameplay through evolving roles and alliances. Its grand scale belies accessible rules, supported by beautiful art, creating a highly replayable and engaging experience.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
All You Can BoardVideo

This video from All You Can Board offers a comprehensive review of the physical board game Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile, exploring its gameplay and overall experience. The reviewers share their opinions on why it's a noteworthy and engaging title.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
EurogamerArticleTop List

Oath: Chronicles of Empire & Exile is hailed as an extraordinary masterpiece of board game design, creating evolving, player-driven stories across countless sessions. Its unique 'Chronicle' system and emergent narrative make it a standout and highly ambitious tabletop experience.

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91
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Victory ConditionsArticle

The reviewer praises Oath's unique player-driven narrative and excellent presentation, highlighting powerful card combos. However, they note a steep learning curve due to scattered rules and a fiddly automa for low player counts, making it a demanding but rewarding experience.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Cardboard Herald, The Cardboard HeraldVideo

This video from The Cardboard Herald provides an in-depth examination and review of the board game Oath: Chronicles of Empire & Exile. It delves into the game's mechanics, concepts, and overall experience, offering critical insights to viewers.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
SideGame LLC, SideGame LLCVideo

The reviewer considers "Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile" a strong success, particularly for its engaging multiplayer experience, rich interaction, and dynamic storytelling, making it one of their favorite games despite a less favorable solo mode.

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