4 Gods is a board game that was released in 2016 and designed by Ismaël Pommaz. It is a puzzle and real-time game that can be played by 2-4 players, with a runtime of 15-30 minutes. The game focuses on area majority/influence and tile placement mechanics, making it a strategic and engaging gaming experience.
Game Components of 4 Gods
Tiles: Almost 100 two-sided square landscape tiles showing four terrain types (oceans, forests, mountains, plains)God Tiles: 4 large tiles, each representing a god with dominion over one terrain typeProphet Miniatures: 4 sets of plastic Prophet miniatures, matching each god’s colorLegendary City Tiles: 8 circular tiles depicting legendary citiesFrame: 4-piece cardboard frame to assemble the worldDrawbag: Velvet drawbag for tilesSand Timer: For the timed variant
How To Setup 4 Gods
To set up 4 Gods, start by assembling the 4-piece cardboard frame in the center of the table. Place the god tiles, prophet boxes, and legendary city tokens within reach. Each player draws two tiles from the bag and holds one in each hand. Once everyone is ready, a player announces the start of the game.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Tile Placement: Players place tiles to build the world, matching terrains on adjacent tiles.Drawing Tiles: Players can draw one or two new tiles from the bag if both hands are free.Discarding Tiles: Tiles can be discarded into discard spaces on the side of the frame.Flipping Tiles: Players can flip over discarded tiles to see the other side.Choosing a God: Players claim a god and corresponding prophets at any point during the game.Placing Prophets: Players can place prophets on tiles to claim areas.Legendary Cities: Players can place and defend legendary city tiles.Game End: The game ends when the world is filled with tiles, the drawbag is empty, or no more legal placements are possible.Scoring:Divine Cities: 5 points for each city token and city token with a prophet.Kingdoms: Points for contiguous areas of a terrain type minus tiles with prophets.Largest Kingdoms: Points for the largest, second-largest, and third-largest areas of each terrain type.Most Kingdoms: Points for the most distinct kingdoms in each terrain type.
Player Experience
4 Gods is a frenetic, real-time game where players simultaneously build a new world and compete for influence. The game is fast-paced and chaotic, with players frequently drawing, placing, and flipping tiles. The lack of turns adds a unique layer of immediacy, requiring players to think quickly and strategically. However, this real-time aspect can lead to moments of confusion and conflict, especially when multiple players compete for the same tiles or areas.
Pros
Unique Real-Time Mechanics: Simultaneous play adds a thrilling layer of excitement.Fast-Paced: Games typically last less than 30 minutes.Strategic Depth: Players must balance tile placement, prophet management, and god selection.High Replayability: Different tile draws and player interactions ensure varied gameplay.
Cons
Chaotic Gameplay: Real-time mechanics can lead to confusion and conflict.Rule Complexity: Understanding all rules before starting is crucial to avoid mid-game explanations.Component Overload: The board can become cluttered, making it hard to see available spaces.
Personal Thoughts on 4 Gods
4 Gods is ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced, strategic games with a unique twist. It’s perfect for families and casual gamers looking for a game that doesn’t overstay its welcome. However, it may not appeal to players who prefer more methodical or turn-based games. The game requires quick thinking and strategic planning, making it a great addition to any game collection for those who enjoy tile-laying and area control mechanics.
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