Anthelion: Conclave of Power (2019) Board Game

Anthelion: Conclave of Power is a two-player card game released in 2019 in the science fiction genre. Designed by Sara Beauvais and Fabrice Weiss, this game features variable player powers and area movement mechanics. The game is published by Button Shy and is recommended for players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Anthelion: Conclave of Power

Character cards: Each with unique abilities and petitions.

Planet cards: Including neutral and faction-specific planets.

Resource tokens: Gained when characters enter a player’s conclave.

Player boards: Representing the Liberation and Dynasty factions.

Rulebook: Outlining setup and gameplay rules.

How To Setup Anthelion: Conclave of Power

To set up the game, players choose their faction, either the Liberation or the Dynasty, which determines their side of the map and their planet base (threshold). Five characters are dealt to a neutral planet, and the remaining planets are placed in the center. Each player starts with their unique home planet and the associated petitions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Tactical card game.

Number of Players: 2.

Playtime: 20 minutes.

Age Range: 10+.

Mechanics: Influence manipulation, card movement (push/pull), resource management.

Objective: The first player to amass 10 points of influence by moving characters to their side of the table (their Conclave) wins the game.

Petitions: Unique actions on characters and planets to move characters or manipulate resources.

Character Abilities: Unique special abilities to pull or push characters.

Resource Management: Resources are available when characters are in a player’s Conclave.

Player Experience

**Anthelion: Conclave of Power** offers a engaging and tactical experience with a simple yet deep gameplay mechanic. Players must strategically choose which characters to pull towards their Conclave and which to push away from their opponent. The game requires thoughtful decisions, as each character’s ability and location can significantly impact the game state. The artwork is commendable, adding a rich space opera feel to the game.

Pros

High Strategic Depth: Despite its small component count, the game offers a lot of meaningful decisions.

Portable: The game is super-portable and can be played almost anywhere.

Balanced Gameplay: Well-balanced for two players, making each match competitive and engaging.

Unique Character Abilities: Each character has a unique backstory and ability, enhancing the game’s replayability.

Expansions Available: Multiple expansions add new factions and mechanics to the game.

Cons

Limited Long-term Strategy: The game focuses more on immediate tactical decisions rather than long-term planning.

Rule Complexity: The rule preventing players from completely undoing their opponent’s last turn can be a bit complex to explain and master.

Personal Thoughts on Anthelion: Conclave of Power

**Anthelion: Conclave of Power** is ideal for fans of tactical two-player games who appreciate strategic depth in a compact package. It is perfect for those who enjoy games like chess or other influence manipulation games but want something that can be set up and played quickly. The game’s ability to pack a lot of gameplay into a small footprint makes it a great addition to any board game collection. If you’re looking for a game that rewards strategic thinking and provides a satisfying experience in a short amount of time, **Anthelion: Conclave of Power** is definitely worth considering.

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