This time we're taking on Clash of Cultures: Monumental Edition, a substantial strategy game where you'll develop your own empire from a small settlement into a powerful civilisation.

You'll explore new territories, establish cities, construct buildings and research technologies to help your civilisation grow. You'll also need to develop your military forces, because other players may have very different ideas about who should control the surrounding land!

One of the things that makes Clash of Cultures particularly impressive is its table presence, with detailed miniature buildings, units and wonders bringing your civilisation to life as the game progresses.

There are plenty of strategic decisions to make. Will you concentrate on developing your cities, expanding your territory, advancing your technologies or building an army?

For this session, we'll be playing the shorter game variant recommended in the rulebook for teaching new players. Instead of the usual six ages, we'll play four, with extra…