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Sauria (2022) Board Game

ByMichail

Sauria is a board game released in 2022 that combines adventure, animals, exploration, and a video game theme. Designed by Johnny Belmont and Nadia Potapov, this game takes players on a journey to a mysterious island filled with prehistoric creatures and hidden treasures. The game’s artwork, done by Millian Games, brings the world of Sauria to life with vibrant and detailed illustrations.

Game Components of Sauria

  • Character Standees:** 8 unique character roles, including the paleontologist, hunter, scientist, photographer, saboteur, ranger, counselor, and mathematician.
  • Dinosaur Standees:** Multiple species of dinosaurs, with some having single standees (e.g., Tyrannosaurus, Giga) and others having multiple standees.
  • Cards:** Dinosaur cards, item cards, objective cards, wound cards, and event cards.
  • Island Board and Hex Tiles:** Used to build the island landscape, including areas affected by lava from the volcano.
  • Noise Cubes and Bags:** Four different colored bags for noise cubes to manage the noise mechanic.
  • Character Boards:** Thick boards with recessed areas for tracking special actions.
  • Tokens and Custom Dice:** Various tokens and custom dice for gameplay mechanics.

    How To Setup Sauria

    To set up Sauria, players first construct the island board using the hex tiles. Each player selects a character and receives their character board and a set of objective cards. The objective cards are randomly dealt, with each character having three objectives to complete. The game also includes setting up the noise cube bags, placing the dinosaur standees, and preparing the event deck. The volcano mechanic is introduced mid-game, adding an extra layer of complexity and urgency.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Semi-Cooperative Play:** Players must work together to repair the island’s infrastructure to escape, but each player is also competing to complete personal objectives for victory points.
  • Action Point System:** Players use action points to perform various actions, such as moving, hiding, or fighting dinosaurs.
  • Noise Mechanic:** Actions can attract dinosaurs based on noise levels, managed through noise cubes.
  • Event Phase:** Each round starts with an event phase that affects all players, including the day/night cycle and the volcano eruption in the second half of the game.
  • Dinosaur Phase:** Dinosaurs move and attack based on a priority list.
  • Objective System:** Each character has objective cards with four tasks, each granting varying amounts of victory points upon completion.
  • Victory Condition:** The player who escapes the island with the most victory points wins.

    Player Experience

    Playing Sauria is an immersive and tense experience. The game is filled with meaningful decisions, as players must balance survival with completing objectives. The semi-cooperative nature introduces a layer of strategy, as players can work together but also risk losing to each other. The noise mechanic and dinosaur movements add unpredictability, making each action potentially consequential. The game’s chaotic elements, such as the erupting volcano and roaming dinosaurs, create a thrilling atmosphere that is both frustrating and charming.

    Pros

  • Immersive Theme:** The game captures the essence of a failed dinosaur theme park.
  • Meaningful Decisions:** Player actions have significant consequences.
  • Varied Roles and Objectives:** Each character offers a unique experience.
  • High Replayability:** Random elements and different objectives ensure varied gameplay.

    Cons

  • Semi-Cooperative Balance:** The balance between cooperation and competition can feel off for some players.
  • Chaos Level:** The game’s chaotic elements can be overwhelming.
  • Fully Cooperative Mode:** The fully cooperative mode is not fully realized.

    Personal Thoughts on Sauria

    Sauria is ideal for fans of survival games and dinosaur enthusiasts. It offers a unique blend of cooperation and competition, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer purely cooperative games or those who are easily frustrated by chaotic game elements. For players who enjoy strategic planning and a bit of risk, Sauria provides a thrilling and engaging experience.

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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

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