Portals (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Portals is a board game designed by Maxim Istomin and published by CrowD Games in in 2023. It falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Fantasy, and Puzzle, making it a unique and engaging game for players who enjoy these genres.

Game Components of Portals

Key cards

Elemental stones (air, earth, fire, water, and time)

Elemental boards

Tokens and various game markers

Vibrant, player-friendly components including gorgeous stones

How To Setup Portals

Setting up Portals involves distributing the Key cards among the players and preparing the Elemental boards. Each player starts with a set of Key cards that need to be filled with Elemental stones. The Elemental boards are placed within reach of all players to facilitate shared interaction.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Open Drafting: Players collect Elemental stones from shared sources.

Pattern Building: Players fill Key cards with Elemental stones to match specific patterns.

Set Collection: Gathering sets of Elemental stones to activate Key cards.

Hidden Victory Points: Victory points are earned based on color matching and adjacency on the Elemental boards.

Objective: The player who earns the most victory points by the end of four rounds is declared the winner.

Player Experience

Portals offers a close and interactive experience as all players share the boards and tokens, ensuring no one is detached from the game. The game’s design is vibrant and visually appealing, making it a pleasure to play. As players progress, the game challenges them to strategize and optimize their stone placements to maximize victory points.

Pros

Easy to learn, hard to master

Close interaction among players

Marvelous, vibrant components

Supports solo mode as well as 1-4 players

Engaging gameplay with a balance of strategy and luck

Cons

Can be complex for younger players despite the recommended age

Requires careful planning and strategic thinking, which may deter casual players

Personal Thoughts on Portals

Portals is ideal for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a challenge that is both engaging and visually appealing. It’s a great fit for families with older children and for groups of friends who enjoy strategic gameplay. However, it may not be the best choice for very young children due to the small parts and the complexity of the game mechanics. Overall, Portals is a solid addition to any board game collection for those who appreciate strategic depth and beautiful game components.

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.