Allegory (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Allegory is a card game released in 2021, designed by David Cornish and Andrew Hepworth, and published by Calliope Games. The game is suitable for 2 to 6 players, with a playing time of 30 to 50 minutes, and is recommended for ages 8 and up. Allegory falls under the category of card games and features auction/bidding and set collection mechanics.

Game Components of Allegory

63 Theme cards

18 Moral cards

90 Lore chips

6 Rest markers

Rulebook

The game also features stunning artwork by David Cornish and Andrew Hepworth[5.).

How To Setup Allegory

To set up Allegory, each player receives 15 Lore chips and a Rest marker. The Hidden Moral deck is shuffled, and one card is dealt to each player, kept secret from others. The Theme deck is shuffled, and a number of cards equal to the number of players is placed in the center of the table, known as the Inspiration Pool. For games with less than 4 players, certain Theme cards (Butterfly, Mask, and Coin) are removed from play. In a 2-player game, only 3 cards are used in the Inspiration Pool.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Auction/Bidding: Players bid with Lore chips to choose a card from the Inspiration Pool.

Set Collection: Players collect sets of Theme cards to score points.

Game Objective

Obtain the Highest Score: Players aim to achieve the highest score by combining the values of their three Tales (Nature, Energy, and Spirit) and collecting sets of Themes.

Hidden Moral: Each player has a Hidden Moral card that earns extra points if included in their Tales.

Scoring: Only the lowest scoring Tale counts towards the final score. Bonus points are awarded for sets of three Theme cards and for including the Hidden Moral in the Tales.

Player Experience

In Allegory, players take on the roles of authors bidding to collect Theme cards to craft three distinct Tales. The game’s unique bidding mechanism allows players to distribute their Lore chips among the remaining cards in the Inspiration Pool after winning a bid, adding a strategic layer to the game. Players must balance their bids and card selections carefully, as the goal is to maintain a balanced score across all three Tales, with only the lowest scoring Tale counting towards the final score. The game’s artwork and thematic design enhance the player experience, immersing players in a narrative of their own creation.

Pros

Unique Bidding Mechanic: The game introduces a fresh twist on traditional bidding games, allowing players to distribute chips strategically.

High Player Interaction: Suitable for 2-6 players, making it a great option for both couples and larger groups.

Stunning Artwork: The illustrations by David Cornish and Andrew Hepworth add a rich and immersive element to the game.

Strategic Depth: Players must think several steps ahead to balance their Tales and maximize their score.

Cons

Limited Effectiveness at Lower Player Counts: The game is less effective with only two players due to the power imbalance created by the resting mechanism.

Personal Thoughts on Allegory

Allegory is a game that appeals to those who enjoy strategic card games with a unique bidding mechanism. It is ideal for players who appreciate games that require thoughtful planning and strategic decision-making. The game’s thematic design and beautiful artwork make it a standout in its category, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it is particularly suited for groups of three or more players to fully enjoy the dynamic and interactive gameplay.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.