Aurimentic (2016) Board Game

Aurimentic is a strategic board game designed by Thalia Brückner and released in in 2016. The game is set in a world of magic and fantasy, where players take on the roles of powerful wizards vying for control over the mystical Aurimentic crystals. With stunning artwork by nikamundus, the game immerses players in a visually captivating experience.

Game Components of Aurimentic

Game Boards: Seven double-sided island boards, each representing a different island with various terrains (mountain, swamp, sand, or grassland).

Weather Panel: A board that tracks the weather, affecting resource planting and game progression.

Resource Dice: Used to determine the resources players receive and to influence the weather.

Farmhouses and Buildings: Tokens for constructing farmhouses and other structures on the islands.

Resources and Seeds: Tokens for planting and harvesting crops.

Crystals: Special items that provide additional points.

How To Setup Aurimentic

To set up Aurimentic, players start by selecting five of the seven available island boards, each double-sided to offer variability. These boards are placed in the playing area, and each player chooses a farmhouse to place on any of the islands. The Weather Panel is set up, and the resource dice are prepared. Players receive initial resources, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Majority / Influence: Players compete to control areas of the islands.

Dice Rolling: Determines resource availability and weather changes.

Modular Board: The game features interchangeable island boards for each playthrough.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most “Auri” (income points) by forming fields of like resources, constructing buildings, controlling islands, and acquiring crystals. The game ends when a player constructs their final building, acquires 50 or more Auri, or when all spaces of a particular landscape are occupied.

Player Experience

Playing Aurimentic involves a mix of strategic planning and adapting to random events. Players must manage resources, navigate the challenges posed by the weather, and balance short-term needs with long-term strategies. The game can be frustrating due to the significant impact of luck, particularly from the dice rolls and weather changes, which can disrupt carefully laid plans.

Pros

Variability: The modular board and double-sided island boards offer a different landscape for each game.

Strategic Depth: Players need to plan carefully to manage resources and build effectively.

Thematic Engagement: The game’s theme of farming, building, and territorial control is engaging and immersive.

Cons

High Luck Factor: The game is heavily influenced by dice rolls and weather changes, which can be unpredictable and frustrating.

Restrictive Weather Mechanics: The weather system can severely limit player actions, making it difficult to form the necessary fields.

Long Game Time: Games can take around 1 ½ hours to complete.

Personal Thoughts on Aurimentic

Aurimentic is a game that will appeal to players who enjoy a mix of strategy and luck, particularly those fond of resource management and territorial control. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with more predictable outcomes or less randomness. The game’s complexity and the impact of weather mechanics make it a challenging but potentially rewarding experience for those willing to adapt and persevere.

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