An old board game box cover with various illustrated scenes depicting adventure, romance, and comedy, labeled with the title "echelon" and the tagline "The Novel Game for the whole family."
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Echelon (1989)

ByMichail

Echelon

Echelon is a board game published in 1989 by The Great Games Company. The game is designed for 2-6 players and revolves around the central theme of literature. John Humphries, a reviewer for Games International magazine, praised the game for its construction, presentation, and fun gameplay.

Why is Echelon Popular?

Echelon is a popular game because it combines a quiz game with strategy and tactics, making it engaging and challenging for players. The game has received positive reviews, with Humphries giving it 4 1/2 stars out of 5. Additionally, the game’s focus on literature adds an educational aspect to the experience, making it appealing to players who enjoy trivia and learning new facts.

Game Components of Echelon

  • Number of players: 2-6
  • Game category: Quiz game, Literature-themed
  • Components: Question cards, player tokens, scoreboard
  • Year of release: 1989

    How To Setup Echelon

    To set up Echelon, players start by distributing the question cards, which are categorized by different literary topics. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting point of the scoreboard. The game is ready to begin once all players have their tokens and the question cards are shuffled and placed face down.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game mechanics: Quiz-style questioning, scoring system
  • Objective: To answer literary questions correctly to move ahead on the scoreboard and accumulate points.
  • Gameplay:
    – Players take turns drawing question cards.
    – Each card presents a literary question.
    – Correct answers allow players to move forward on the scoreboard.
    – The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

    Player Experience

    Echelon is designed to be a fun and engaging game for literature enthusiasts. The game encourages a competitive atmosphere where players test their knowledge of various literary works and authors. With its simple yet challenging questions, Echelon is suitable for both casual and serious literature fans.

    Pros

  • Well-constructed game: Praised for its first-class presentation and fun gameplay.
  • Engaging for multiple players: The more players, the merrier, as noted by John Humphries in his review.
  • Educational value: Enhances literary knowledge in a lively and competitive setting.

    Cons

  • Limited appeal: May appeal more to those with a strong interest in literature.
  • No complex strategy: Primarily a quiz game, lacking in complex game mechanics.

    Personal Thoughts on Echelon

    Echelon is ideal for book clubs, literature classes, or anyone with a passion for literature. It provides a fun and interactive way to test and expand one’s knowledge of literary works. While it may not offer the depth and complexity of other board games, it excels as a light-hearted, educational game perfect for social gatherings or family nights.

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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