Icarus (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Icarus’ is a board game released in 2015, designed by Reiner Knizia and published by cosaic. The game takes inspiration from the Greek myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun with wings made of feathers and wax. Players take on the role of builders attempting to construct a tower in honor of the gods but must be careful not to reach too high and risk falling like Icarus.

Game Components of Icarus

126 linen-finished cards divided into seven different colored decks

30 Feather tokens

One Bid Value marker

One game mat

One 8-page, full-color Rules booklet

One bright red, 9 1/4″ x 5 7/8″ Standard cardboard VPG game box

One beautiful box cover sleeve

One “Wipes-A-Lot” napkin

One charcoal desiccant packet.

How To Setup Icarus

To set up Icarus, players start by shuffling the seven different colored decks and placing them on the indicated spaces on the game board. Each player draws one card from each deck. One card from each deck is then drawn face down and placed back in the box. The feather tokens are placed on the board, and the game mat is laid out. This simple setup prepares the stage for the bidding and bluffing that follows.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding and Bluffing: Players take turns bidding higher than the previous bid, either in the same or a different color.

Challenging Bids: A player can challenge another player’s bid, which resets the bidding if successful.

Information Management: Players must manage limited information from their hand and discarded cards to make strategic bids.

Objective: The player with the fewest negative points (feather tokens) at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Playing Icarus involves a delicate balance of conservative and daring bids. The game is marked by tension as players try to avoid being challenged while also trying to keep the bid from coming back to them. The bluffing element adds a layer of unpredictability, making each turn a grueling decision. The game is engaging and fun, with moments of both caution and excitement.

Pros

Good Tension: The game naturally builds tension as it progresses.

Invested Gameplay: Players become heavily invested in the game.

Simple Rules: The rules are quick to learn, offering interesting decisions.

Fun Moments: The game produces a lot of fun and memorable moments.

Cons

Game Length: The game can last longer than some players might prefer.

Component Quality: The component quality is just okay and is not very colorblind friendly.

Personal Thoughts on Icarus

Icarus is a great fit for those who enjoy bluffing and deduction games. It’s accessible to players who have experience with any card game, making it easy to pick up but challenging to master. This game is ideal for groups looking for a game that combines strategy and social interaction, though it may not be the best choice for every game night due to its length. Overall, Icarus is a fun and engaging game that will appeal to fans of Euro-style bluffing games.

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