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4 Seasons (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

4 Seasons is a card game designed by Joris van Beusekom and released in in 2016. It is published by 999 Games and is suitable for 3-4 players, with a recommended age of 10 and up. The game is categorized as a card game and features gameplay mechanics such as hand management, predictive bid, and trick-taking.

Game Components of 4 Seasons

  • 1 Game Board
  • 1 Crystal Track
  • 1 Year token & 1 Season token
  • 8 Library tokens
  • 4 Individual boards
  • 16 Sorcerer tokens
  • 20 Season dice
  • 40 Advanced Power cards
  • 60 Basic Power cards
  • 64 Energy tokens
  • Rules.

    How To Setup 4 Seasons

    The game setup involves a preliminary phase known as the “Prelude.” During this phase, players draft cards to create their own 9-card deck, which they then separate into three packs of three cards each. This deck will be used throughout the game. The main game components, including the game board, crystal track, and season dice, are also set up according to the rules.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card Drafting:** Players draft cards to build their deck during the Prelude phase.
  • Dice Rolling:** Players roll season dice to determine available actions each turn.
  • Energy Management:** Players harvest and crystallize energy to pay for power cards and accumulate victory points.
  • Resource Management:** Players adapt to changing energy availability based on the season.
  • Game Objective:** The goal is to accumulate the most victory points by collecting crystals and using power cards effectively. The game ends after three years (rounds), and the player with the highest score is declared the winner.

    Player Experience

    **4 Seasons** offers a dynamic and challenging experience, requiring players to adapt their strategies based on the changing seasons and available resources. The game demands careful planning and resource management, making it engaging for players who enjoy tactical gameplay.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** The game involves complex resource management and strategic planning.
  • Dynamic Gameplay:** The changing seasons and dice rolls introduce variability and challenge.
  • Thematic Depth:** The game’s theme of a magical tournament adds a rich layer of immersion.
  • High Replayability:** The combination of card drafting and dice rolling ensures different experiences in each playthrough.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules:** The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate mechanics.
  • Lengthy Setup:** The Prelude phase can be time-consuming as players draft and organize their cards.
  • Limited Player Count:** The game is designed for 2-4 players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

    Personal Thoughts on 4 Seasons

    **4 Seasons** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic and tactical games with a strong thematic element. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate card drafting, dice rolling, and resource management. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those willing to invest time in mastering its mechanics.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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