LANTERN (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

LANTERN is a solo board game that was released in 2019 by designer P. Briaud. It falls under the categories of dice, fantasy, medieval, and print & play games. The game features dice rolling, paper-and-pencil mechanics, and a re-rolling and locking mechanism to challenge players in a solo or solitaire experience.

Game Components of Lanterns

Lake Tiles: 32 tiles for 4 players, 27 for 3 players, and 22 for 2 players, each with colors on all four sides.

Lantern Cards: Separated into stacks by color, with 8 cards per pile for 4 players, 7 for 3 players, and 5 for 2 players.

Favor Tokens: Used for exchanging lantern cards and earning bonuses.

Dedication Tokens: Used to score points, with values in descending order.

Starting Lake Tile: Features a rowboat and is placed in the middle of the table.

How To Setup Lanterns

Setup involves placing the starting lake tile in the middle of the table, orienting it so one side faces each player. Separate the lantern cards into color stacks and create a face-down stack of lake tiles. Deal three lake tiles to each player, and place the remaining tiles within reach. Separate the dedication tokens and favor tokens, stacking them accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Exchange a Lantern Card: Optional, using two favor tokens to exchange a lantern card.

Make a Dedication: Optional, trading in a set of lantern cards for dedication tokens.

Place a Lake Tile: Mandatory, placing a tile next to another and receiving lantern cards and favor tokens based on matches and platforms.

Objective: Earn the most honor points by dedicating sets of lantern cards. The game ends when all lake tiles are placed, and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Lanterns is praised for its ease of teaching and intuitive gameplay, making it accessible to both non-gamers and experienced players. The game is light enough for a family setting but offers enough strategy to engage gamers. Games typically last 20-30 minutes. The beautiful artwork and high-quality components add to the game’s appeal, though the small lantern cards can be a minor annoyance.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Intuitive gameplay and well-designed rulebook.

Beautiful Artwork: High-quality components and visually appealing design.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a variety of audiences.

Interactive: Players must pay attention to each other’s turns for optimal strategy.

Cons

Replayability: The game can become repetitive after several plays.

Luck Factor: Limited lantern cards of each color can lead to some players missing out on cards.

Component Issues: Small lantern cards and a barebones insert can be frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Lanterns

Lanterns: The Harvest Festival is ideal for those looking for a light, yet strategic game that is easy to teach and plays quickly. It is perfect for family game nights or as a filler game for regular gamers. While it may not offer deep complexity, its interactivity and beautiful theme make it a delightful addition to any game collection. However, those seeking high replayability or more complex gameplay might find it lacking after a few plays.

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