Game Info
Year
2023
Collection
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Description
Imperial Miners is a light engine-building card game for 1 to 5 players from designer Tim Armstrong (Arcana Rising, Orbis), in which players excavate mines using a clever card activation system. This stand-alone game is set in the popular Imperial Settlers universe and offers beautiful illustrations, easy-to-grasp rules, and satisfying gameplay full of chain reactions and engine-building synergies.
In Imperial Miners, players create their own mines by playing cards into their personal tableau. They start from the surface and develop downward. Each time a card is added to their mine, it activates itself and all the cards above it, rewarding a player with satisfying chain reactions and combos. The cards belong to six different factions and offer various strategies. Players mix different factions in their mines to achieve the best results.
While developing their mines, players also advance on progress boards. During set-up, three out of the six available progress boards are randomly chosen for the game. These boards each offer a different strategic focus. Throughout the game, players advance to gain additional bonuses that help them develop their tableaus, activate the synergies between cards, gain victory points, and achieve even more satisfying combos. The combination of progress boards influences strategies and makes the game different each time you play.
Imperial Miners offers impressive replayability thanks to its wide range of different cards and modular progress boards. Players also take turns simultaneously so gameplay is quick and lasts no longer than 45 minutes. The straightforward rules, beautiful artwork, and rewarding engine-building mechanisms make a perfect game for both casual and experienced gamers.
—description from the publisher
Imperial Miners Family
(2 games)
This page includes videos and mentions from the whole Imperial Miners family. Drill into a specific game below.
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 16
This page: 16
Sentiment:
pos 11 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–16 of 16
Video 8t09mqalJRY
Getting Games Discussion at 15:10
video_pk 88973 · mention_pk 235616
Click to watch at 15:10 · YouTube ↗
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
No quotes stored for this video.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video kIsOmI6J7vg
Getting Games Discussion
video_pk 88349 · mention_pk 232735
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's just a really exciting experience to pitch these games
- Jessica did all of the graphic design
- I believe in these games
- I don't think I'm ever going to make money off of these maybe I will who knows
- Spiel felt like Disneyland for five days
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video kIsOmI6J7vg
Getting Games Discussion
video_pk 88349 · mention_pk 273103
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's just a really exciting experience to pitch these games
- Jessica did all of the graphic design
- I believe in these games
- I don't think I'm ever going to make money off of these maybe I will who knows
- Spiel felt like Disneyland for five days
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 0cGLc6bRWuQ
Meeple University Vlog at 58:32
video_pk 88341 · mention_pk 232685
Click to watch at 58:32 · YouTube ↗
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Mining
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- look how cute this is fabulous game as well
- look how great this is like components like just soing amazing
- look at this like amazing amazing
- this is a really fun social deduction
- it's really like you you should bit shy on social deduction you can you can like a little bit of a puzzle deduction as well
- this is a very popular game when it was out
- it's a logic game
- puzzle deduction game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video gCUz3B3ngKg
Board Gaming Ramblings Discussion at 14:05 sentiment: positive
video_pk 88238 · mention_pk 232194
Click to watch at 14:05 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Fast and simple feel
- Brainy and engaging
- Clever auction/production flow
Cons
- Luck in card draws can affect outcomes
- Interaction level varies by player count
Thematic elements
- Two-worker simultaneous play building a mine
- Mining and resource production
- engine-building puzzle
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card_activation — Playing a card activates its effect and a path of cards on the board.
- Contracts — Produce goods, score diamonds at end, and fulfill contracts.
- production_and_contracts — Produce goods, score diamonds at end, and fulfill contracts.
- Simultaneous Actions — Players act at the same time to place actions and build.
- simultaneous_play — Players act at the same time to place actions and build.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we're going to talk about some of them now
- we want to call reviews with a paddle
- eight more games with the keeping and the calling
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video dejiTk6vGyQ
Getting Games Discussion at 12:51 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 88168 · mention_pk 231817
Click to watch at 12:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- BGGCon is still essentially one of my favorite weeks of the year it's just an absolute blast
- it's just basically dreamland, hanging out with friends for ludicrous hours
- I played 44 is new to me games at the convention
- shifting shelf got surprisingly large, it's essentially a two-month shifting shelf
- I'm planning on doing a radar Vlog in a couple of weeks to cut the three months in half essentially
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video dKMi0BYIGi4
Meeple University Unboxing at 20:09 sentiment: positive
video_pk 88193 · mention_pk 231997
Click to watch at 20:09 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Imperial Settlers
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Engine Building — It's really fun. It feels like it's very satisfying engine building.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is one of the big Euro releases from the Essen it's really good we both really enjoy it especially me I think
- It's really fun. It feels like it's very satisfying engine building.
- Competitive relaxing holiday in Japan.
- The design is actually the movie maker or film maker based on the movie and they make the board game out of it
- viral virual what is it called hang on virual revolution virual revolution
- this is Studio H this is the biggest box game I think I've seen from Studio H
- this seems really interesting it's it's I think this was the one from the movie so the design is actually the movie maker or film maker based on the movie and they make the board game out of it
- a good looking map always makes me uh picks my interest
- it wasn't on my list as an anticipated list but I picked it up
- this is a waterfall park
- look at this uh there was a common board and you are a color frame and you place it and then you gain the TOs of the building and you can negotiate to each other to gain the building that you want to score points
- the points is comes from the money that you have you have to buy stuff and then you goate
- those are the games please do let us know which one that you like to see the most or the ones that you actually got either from ENT or pre-order or anything like that and let us know what you think of them hit the like button if you've been enjoying it hopefully you have an awesome awesome day everyone thank you so much and see you next time bye
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video DB4bqjYyDf0
Rolling Dice & Taking Names Interview at 1:17:15 sentiment: positive
video_pk 84669 · mention_pk 215345
Click to watch at 1:17:15 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Positive
Pros
- Sold out at Gen Con
- Considered a great game
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- So, we are here to talk about what's happening over at Portal Games and what's happening over with Ignosi, who did not show up at Gen Con even after I worked my fingers to the bone putting down floor and Marty put down floor and we distributed product and helped sell a few of your games out.
- So, that that's a perfect segue because uh the the game that you were going to have uh this year at Gen Con was Age of Galaxy and because of all the issues of getting the the game into port, etc., it just did not show up in time.
- It's unbelievable how in such small box they put so much of the meat.
- So, yeah, Age of Galaxy, it's uh you know, there's been a trend recently over the years to I'm going to make a Forex game that plays in a short amount of time, and I think there's been varying success to that.
- So, yeah, Bohemians will be releasing. I I have a story because I was two months ago.
- I wrote in this article that Bohemians is a casual deck builder is you are sitting with your friends, your family, you are just living life of your artist.
- It is not a tournament game. It is not a you know head-to-head combat game. But I believe that this mechanism will be at some point used in this head-to-head combat game. So like the concept of having trash in the middle of the table and everybody can trash cards if they want to. It gives you full control of what you want to achieve in the game. And the builder is about the building a deck. So you should have a right to create it as you want.
- So, I mean, you're right. I mean, the rule for the game is insanely funny and stupid and crazy. And I love it how Jasper designed this card for the game.
- It may turn out turn off some people that will say this is too controversial. This is they they don't want to play with their familiar kids and seeing such a card pop up. Uh but this is how it is. This is Paris 19th century.
- So, for next year, I have nothing signed as a exclusive distributor for America, but I have two very interesting prototypes of the game that we are working on and they are they couldn't be more different. One of these games is a cooperative game and the other one is hand-to-head combat game.
- So, y'all heard it here first. In 2029, look for a campaign for Imperial Settlers 15-year edition.
- Bonanza is one of them. And they they taught me uh that for the games that are your evergreens, you just care for them.
- This is my pet project.
- We were aware that this is a war game which means 500 copies the highest spin run we can do because it's a war game.
- Both of us control the Germans. It's just, you know, when it's the other person's time, are you going to do you're going to try to help yourself out or you going to try to stop him by using the Germans?
- My marriage was strained because of the ranking segment.
- It was great to see Imperial Miners sell out from the table.
- This is my dream. I I wanted this box to be re-released as a one box with everything.
- Keep rolling dice and taking names.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video aqm7jzd4jOU
what you played News at 0:14 sentiment: positive
video_pk 78091 · mention_pk 189325
Click to watch at 0:14 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Light engine building card game
- Satisfying chain reactions and combos
- Good replayability due to different factions and progress boards
- Classic Imperial Settlers look
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Excavating Minds
Comparison games
- Imperial Settlers
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card activation — A new card activation system where each time a card is added to the tableau it activates itself and all cards above it.
- Engine Building — Players are excavating minds using a new card activation system, playing cards into their personal tableau and each time a card is added it activates not only itself but all the cards above it causing chain reactions and combos.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- exciting finds exploring minds and a long way to Temporary hello I'm Matthew and welcome to the what you played news
- aircon news next which is possibly the greatest convention in the greater North Yorkshire area
- the event is about games but it's powered by Community kindness and respect for all of us in this wonderful hobby also tea it's mostly powered by T get an air cup they're great
- tennis which isn't about Letterkenny anyone know what I'm talking about even a little bit
- I had no idea what that actually meant so I read the rule book online and this core mechanism is essentially a cool spin on Go Fish where you call for a card and then depending on whether the person you ask has it or not different effects play out
- are we the bad guy are we bad people why not just all of us Escape I'm sure there's a reason but just feels like we could have always all escaped at the same time without leaving people on the island marooned to do all this
- old elegant neuro games with simple rules and more depth than first meets the eye
- it's a classic accessible and Slick design that's getting the wonderful super meeple treatment where they update and upgrade things from the modern markets and I'm really very excited about it
- I think it's cool to take what really worked from that expansion and build on it which I suppose is a pun
- sounds honestly like a wonderful place
- two player trick taking card games used to be the FIFA dreams of a madman but they are slightly more available now
- the Roaring Kraken makes for a deafening situation on board and players are unable to communicate about tactics and card information from the moment the cars are dealt to the end of the action phase
- I really want this game to be good I'm very excited about it
- which makes me hope that they had their imagineers busy with gameplay not in the naming Department
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video _IJmO3JV2zM
watch it played Rules Teach at 0:13 sentiment: positive
video_pk 64148 · mention_pk 157633
Click to watch at 0:13 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- adventure of settlement and treasure discovery beneath the surface
- an underground empire, caverns beneath a surface world with wonders, gold, and diamonds
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card activation and chain reactions — Activating a card triggers its printed effect and may start chain reactions that activate other attached cards up to the surface; each card can be activated at most once per round.
- card costs and play order — Cards have levels with different costs (level 1 free, level 2 cost 2 gold, level 3 cost 0–10, level 4 free); players reveal and pay costs to play cards.
- carts and cart markers — Completed carts on cards are worth diamonds; cart markers can be placed on completed carts to turn them into fully treasure-filled carts worth diamonds.
- draws and hand management — Players draw cards from various decks, choose which to keep, and discard or redraw; starting hands and deck management are described during setup.
- end-of-game and solo mode scoring — Final scoring awards diamonds for completed carts; solo mode compares score to a chart after 10 rounds.
- event deck and event phase — An event deck is drawn each round; events include immediate effects, feature effects, and end-of-round effects.
- Events — An event deck is drawn each round; events include immediate effects, feature effects, and end-of-round effects.
- factions and faction symbols — Certain effects refer to card factions, identified by symbols and names printed on cards and in the rule materials.
- Hand Management — Players draw cards from various decks, choose which to keep, and discard or redraw; starting hands and deck management are described during setup.
- machine tokens and collapse tokens — Machine tokens grant bonuses; collapse tokens on a card can suppress its printed effect until removed, after which the card’s effect is resolved.
- mind grid / card placement — Players place cards on a mind grid with rows corresponding to levels; each card must connect with others via top/bottom cart halves to form a complete card.
- progress boards and resource tracks — Three double-sided progress boards are placed in the center and are used to track progress with gold, diamonds, and markers; advancing on tracks triggers gains and transitions.
- Track Advancement — Three double-sided progress boards are placed in the center and are used to track progress with gold, diamonds, and markers; advancing on tracks triggers gains and transitions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- "You're an adventurous settler your civilization extends as far as the eye can see but that's when you realized there's even more to settle underground"
- "discovering Caverns full of Wonders gold and precious diamonds"
- "Imperial miners"
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video us8ErlxJeVw
Board Stupid Discussion at 54:08 sentiment: positive
video_pk 39688 · mention_pk 119834
Click to watch at 54:08 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- tight, deep engine with chain-building combos
Cons
- rules heavy; requires careful learning
Thematic elements
- tableau-building with mining economy
- imperial glass-mining / settlers theme
- Euro engine with city-building feel
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- tableau building / tile placement — dig down rows and build in a constrained order with rules about depth and support
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The UK Games Expo is the biggest board game convention in the UK and one of the biggest in the world.
- This is undisputedly now the biggest UKGE has ever been.
- Press passes are a great little perk that let us see the previews and get early access.
- Mass Effect like — the IP is a huge selling point for many people.
- Two-thirds of a game of World Wonders — you pick your map and try to fit wonders in with unique placement rules.
- First Rat is a game about rats attempting to launch a rocket into space.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video fhNb2RHmocA
TheGameBoyGeek - Hi Quality Hi Energy Board Game Reviews Discussion at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 31512 · mention_pk 92835
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong potential for deep engine-building thanks to cascading activations
- tiered card levels provide escalating power and strategic choice
- integration of spatial puzzle elements adds a distinct cognitive layer
- clear thematic flavor through mining-centric mechanics and track progression
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Resource generation through layered card-driven engine building tied to underground mining operations and advancement in economy, artistry, and technology.
- Mine-based city-building with multiple underground levels and an economic framework that mirrors layered extraction and production.
- Technical and design-focused, emphasizing mechanics and how they drive gameplay rather than cinematic storytelling.
Comparison games
- Imperial Settlers
- Empires on the North
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card_placement_and_usage — cards are placed into a mine tableau and then activated to yield benefits, with activation patterns influenced by the level order.
- Engine Building — lower cards in a vertical stack activate more cards above them, creating cascading effects that drive engine progression.
- engine_building — lower cards in a vertical stack activate more cards above them, creating cascading effects that drive engine progression.
- multi_level_card_system — cards are drawn from four distinct levels; higher-level cards are more powerful but come with higher costs, creating a tiered decision space.
- Multi-Use Cards — cards are drawn from four distinct levels; higher-level cards are more powerful but come with higher costs, creating a tiered decision space.
- round_events_and_track_progression — each round includes a specific event and players advance on dedicated tracks (economy, artistry, technology) that drive future options.
- spatial_puzzle_and_map_layout — the arrangement of cards on the board presents a spatial puzzle aspect, adding a planning and spatial reasoning dimension to play.
- Track Advancement — each round includes a specific event and players advance on dedicated tracks (economy, artistry, technology) that drive future options.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Imperial miners is the follow-up to Imperial settlers and Empires on the north from Portal Games
- you'll be building from first level all the way down to further underground
- these mines have a top and you're gonna be getting these cards from four different levels
- it's a little bit of engine building and a little bit of a spatial puzzle as well
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video o35QaUFtgzI
Rolling Dice & Taking Names Discussion at 9:33 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12299 · mention_pk 35879
Click to watch at 9:33 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Clear engine-building focus
- Good player count up to five
- Varied factions and synergy
Cons
- Limited direct player interaction
- Some factions tricky to manage
Thematic elements
- engine-building, resource management, faction synergy
- Imperial Settlers Universe; mining sector
- engine-building with deck-building mechanics
Comparison games
- Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North
- Embers of the North
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card placement / path building — Place cards to build mine paths and activate effects.
- engine-building — Factions provide bonuses; players build a production engine.
- Faction interaction — Different factions interact to modify costs and effects.
- Simultaneous Actions — Turns are largely simultaneous until reveal.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is a World War II themed game.
- it's really easy to learn, it's very much a tactical lens.
- There’s no player interaction, none whatsoever.
- I freaking loved it.
- the most simple engine building out of Imperial Settlers Universe
- it's a great engine builder
- this is about as far as the Imperial Settlers Universe goes the most simple engine building out of Imperial Settlers Universe
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ret2atPVYv8
Rolling Dice & Taking Names Discussion at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5289 · mention_pk 15717
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- quick play time (20-30 minutes)
- easy to teach after understanding card placement
- small box format
- suitable for newer players
- good for gaming groups wanting quick games
Cons
- card placement rules require clear explanation
Thematic elements
- mining operations
- resource extraction
Comparison games
- Imperial Settlers
- Empires of the North
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card placement
- Engine Building
- Worker Placement
- Worker placement elements
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Gen Con is back baby
- y'all we recorded an entire episode 301... and then we go into the process of sending the files to each other and it's only happened what maybe one other time Tony in 300 episodes where we didn't have the recorded file
- please do not wear a backpack that's juts out about 16 to 24 inches from your back
- when you land on one of those letters your opponents will draw a card
- nobody feels out of the game or you don't have a chance
- this game a seller game for me is that it's no fun if there's no way to win the game
- so I'm wondering if the convention center if they would move it to the field
- we went by there every day there was one or two gentlemen there that we just almost became friends with
- games of the con I loved this game
- I've played over three four thousand games on the iPad
- go back to the roots that maybe started this whole deck building system
- as tyrants of the underdark first time I played that game I thought wow this is a really brilliantly well done
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mUp_XeUPUdc
Rolling Dice & Taking Names Review at 20:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4488 · mention_pk 13181
Click to watch at 20:46 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- solid UI showing progress tracks
- smooth engine-building
- varied strategy across rounds
Cons
- potential length with four players
- rulebook sometimes dense
Thematic elements
- resource extraction and territory development
- ancient empire mining
- engine-building with dice-driven actions
Comparison games
- Res Arcana
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- decree-cards — Draw/deploy decree cards for bonuses.
- dice-drafting — Draft dice to assign to actions.
- discounts — Spending resources provides discounts for future plays.
- engine-building — Build a productive engine with cards and actions.
- permanent_resources — Resources can become permanent for discounts.
- resource-management — Harvest ore/gems and manage resources.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's sensory overload; it's bombardment of sound and light
- it's a Well Done Euro
- it's a thinker
- there's no fighting in this game
- I would recommend if you enjoy Res Arcana
- the UI is really good about showing the progress trees
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video wwlOmfM4Nos
Rolling Dice & Taking Names Discussion at 21:31 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2323 · mention_pk 6778
Click to watch at 21:31 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- accessible engine-building experience
- compact footprint for quick play sessions
Cons
- some may desire deeper thematic tie or more asymmetry
Thematic elements
- engine-building and resource management in a compact universe
- imperial expansion and resource exploitation during a mining boom
- light historical flavor with accessible mechanisms
Comparison games
- Imperial Miners vs Imperial Settlers
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine_building — players develop engines via cards and tiles to generate ongoing benefits
- simultaneous_actions — players draft or reveal actions to shape the turn order and outcomes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is touted as a quick playing area control game that's driven by work replacement
- a quick playing area control game driven by work replacement
- there is nothing more rewarding than planning out your five cards
- Inky is cute and the engine feels approachable
- scope U-Boat backs of the cards all look the same to the Ally player
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
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