Splendor: Marvel (2020) Board Game

Splendor: Marvel is a re-themed version of the classic board game Splendor, set in the Marvel Comics universe. It was released in 2020 by Space Cowboys, designed by Marc André. The game combines elements of card drafting, set collection, and economic strategy, all set against the backdrop of iconic Marvel characters and locations.

Game Components of Splendor: Marvel

90 Character Cards featuring iconic Marvel heroes and villains

39 Infinity Stone Tokens

5 S.H.I.E.L.D. Tokens

4 Location Tiles (double-sided)

1 Avengers Assemble Tile

1 Infinity Gauntlet Tile

30 Level 2 cards

7 SPACE, POWER, and REALITY tokens each.

How To Setup Splendor: Marvel

To set up the game, players start by placing the four Location Tiles on the table. Each player chooses a starting hand of cards, and the remaining cards are shuffled and placed face down in their respective piles. The Infinity Stone Tokens and S.H.I.E.L.D. Tokens are also placed within reach of all players. The Avengers Assemble Tile and Infinity Gauntlet Tile are set aside to be claimed during the game. The game is ready to start once all components are organized and each player has their starting hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Gem Collection: Players can take two gems of the same color or three different colored gems.

Card Purchase: Use gems to buy cards, which act as permanent gems for future purchases.

Card Reservation: Reserve a card without paying gems, gaining a bonus wild token.

Infinity Stones: Collect Infinity Stones to achieve new victory conditions.

Avenger Symbols: Collect Avenger symbols to claim the Avengers Assemble Tile, which grants additional points.

Game Objective

The goal is to be the first player to reach 16 points by acquiring cards, Infinity Stones, and the Infinity Gauntlet.

A new twist requires players to obtain a green gem by purchasing a Tier 3 card, forcing players to aim for higher-level cards.

Player Experience

Splendor: Marvel offers a fast-paced and engaging experience with simple yet strategic gameplay. Players love the quick turns, which keep everyone engaged, and the satisfying progression of building their tableau to buy high-value cards without needing too many gems. The game is rarely one-sided, making it exciting until the very end, with players often remarking on how close the outcome was.

Pros

Elegant Mechanics: Simple and straightforward gameplay with deep strategic layers.

Marvel Theme: Immersive experience for Marvel fans, adding a new twist to the classic Splendor game.

Dynamic Victory Conditions: New end-game triggers and the moving Avengers token add fresh excitement.

High-Quality Components: Durable plastic tokens and well-designed cards enhance the gameplay experience.

Cons

Not a Replacement for Original: While the Marvel theme is appealing, it does not replace the original Splendor game; it offers a unique but not essential variation.

Additional Complexity: Some players might find the new mechanics slightly more complex than the original game, though still accessible.

Personal Thoughts on Splendor: Marvel

Splendor: Marvel is ideal for fans of both the Marvel Universe and strategy board games. It is a great introduction for new players to the world of board gaming, thanks to its easy-to-learn mechanics and engaging theme. For existing Splendor fans, it offers a fresh twist that maintains the core elegance of the original game. However, it is not necessary to own both versions unless you are particularly fond of the Marvel theme, as the original Splendor remains a timeless classic.

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