Yep, Italy is for AoS experts and France is for AoS beginners.
Start newbies on France, play all the other maps (US Rust Belt, England, Scandinavia, Germany, Western US, Ireland, Korea, I suggest that order) and, if they survive those, play Italy. Bring a bodyguard to watch your back.

France is both egalitarian and forgiving. You can't go bankrupt, the people bail you out for your contribution to the republic. Italy is both ancient and cutthroat. There is no automatic income reduction, you must act in your own interests.

By the end of that cycle, the Austria, Switzerland and Netherlands maps should be generally available. Then folks can play with only two people (Austria) using those big 25 counters included in the base game, (yes, that is why they were included) and they can also play with 7 people (The Netherlands), even 8 if they use both pennies and dimes as markers.

If you need even more maps, the Bay Area, Reunion Island and Moon maps are a lot of fun! Ted, Ludo and Alban did a lot of work on these babies.

For Geeks willing to print out their own maps, fellonmyhead has a good free map on the geek. See the Age of Steam game page. And enjoy yourself!


John
Pittsburgh

Hi, John

What number of players do you think is the best range for the France and for the Italy maps?

Thanks
Phillip

Yes, the North of England map is very good, but needs exactly 4 players.

Richard's Japan map also works very well for 3 players.

It's unfortunate that the AoS Team seems to have been unable to properly take their preorders. I went in with a friend for a set of their maps, but when she went to pick them up in Essen, they had only one set for her. THANKS GUYS! I know of at least one other person they did this to as well.

First they spam everyone, then mess up their pre-orders. Sheesh.

That said, the Japan map looks wonderful and I can't wait to play it. I really appreciate that this has become available.

Well, Phillip, I like to see one experienced player and 5 newbies play the France map. That is a bit self-serving, though, because it means I get 5 more AoS players!

Italy is nasty with 3 players, with 6 it is cut-throat action. Keep your back to the wall!

John
Pittsburgh

Yep, and I hope that the French Canadians get their maps out soon. The new Action "El Presidente" in their South American map is one of my favorites.

John
Pittsburgh

Then you'll love the "corruption" and "trucking" actions in my Central American map...

Well, if I do, I will say so, as I did for "El Presidente".
If I don't, well, I am kinda busy...

John
Pittsburgh

Yes John
With your support, we're going to sell our 4 first maps (China, South America, Northeastern USA, South Africa). We'll send more details this week on BGG.

Pierre

This is excellent news for AoS gamers. I hope that you use the "Announcements" forum for Age of Steam here on the 'geek for the details, Pierre. And congratulations on your WBC AoS championship victory!

John
Pittsburgh

I am really glad you liked it; we did. It was tested with 4 and 5 players, and was found to be very tight with 5 much to the pleasure of our group.

I like it with 5.



John
Pittsburgh