Samhain (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Samhain is a board game released in 2017, designed by Fabio Porfidia and featuring artwork by Giochix.it. The game is set in ancient times and draws inspiration from mythology, making it a unique and immersive gaming experience for players.

Game Components of Samhain

Action cards with light and dark sides

Temple cards for tracking devotion scores

Clan member tokens (wooden cubes)

Player screens

Resource tokens

Will-o-wisp tokens

Optional expansion cards like the Hollow Tree and Sacred Oak cards

How To Setup Samhain

To set up Samhain, players begin by placing the action cards on the table to create the game board. Each action card has two sides: one for day and one for night. The temple cards are placed on the left side of the action cards to track devotion scores. Players then place their clan members (wooden cubes) on the action cards according to the starting rules. The number of rounds is determined by the number of players, with odd rounds representing day and even rounds representing night.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their clan members on action cards to perform various actions.

Day and Night Rounds: Actions differ based on whether it is day or night, with different actions available on each side of the card.

Resource Management: Collect resources, obtain powerful items, and gain devotion points.

Player Interaction: When a player takes an action on a card, other players on the same card must also take that action, potentially leading to penalties.

Corruption Mechanic: Players can be corrupted by the Romans, affecting gameplay and scoring.

Objective: Manage your clan to score the most victory points by collecting resources, obtaining items, and gaining devotion points. The goal is to lead your clan against the Roman invasion and avoid corruption.

Player Experience

In Samhain, players immerse themselves in the role of a Celtic clan leader during the night of Samhain, a sacred Celtic festival. The game offers a dynamic board that changes with each play, ensuring good longevity and a different experience every time. The easy learning curve and strategic depth make it engaging for players who enjoy worker placement games. However, the game can feel a bit short, especially with four players, as it only lasts for four rounds.

Pros

Dynamic Board: The board changes with each game, providing high replayability.

Strategic Depth: Simple rules but deep strategic gameplay.

Player Interaction: Mechanisms like will-o-wisps and shared actions add a layer of interaction.

Thematic Immersion: The game’s theme of Celtic clans resisting Roman invasion is well-integrated into the mechanics.

Cons

Short Gameplay: The four-player game can feel a bit short with only four rounds.

Iconography: The card iconography can be confusing at first, requiring a player reference sheet.

Token Uniformity: The use of wooden cubes for both resources and clan members can be confusing.

Personal Thoughts on Samhain

Samhain is ideal for players who enjoy strategic worker placement games with a strong thematic element. It is suitable for those looking for a game that is easy to learn but offers complex strategic decisions. While it may appeal to fans of historical themes and strategic gameplay, the short duration of the four-player game might be a drawback for some. Overall, Samhain is a great choice for those seeking a dynamic and engaging board game experience.

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