Lords of Xidit (2014) Board Game

Lords of Xidit is a board game released in 2014 by Libellud. Designed by Régis Bonnessée, the game is set in the fantasy world of Xidit, where players take on the roles of lords competing to become the new king by recruiting armies and traveling across the land to defeat monsters.

Game Components of Lords of Xidit

Game Board: Features 20 locations, including cities and monster habitats.

Player Boards: Each player has an action board with 6 slots for programming moves.

Action Wheels: Used to select actions such as moving on different colored paths, taking actions at current locations, or doing nothing.

Unit Tiles: Representing various fighters like peasants, archers, infantry, clerics, and battle mages.

Monster Tiles: Each with specific requirements for defeat.

Gold Coins: Used for scoring.

Influence Markers: For scoring influence in different regions.

Tower Sections: For building towers.

Bard Tokens: For scoring reputation.

Sorcerer’s Guild Tokens: For scoring influence.

How To Setup Lords of Xidit

To set up the game, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the table. Each player selects an idrakys (hero) figure and places it on the board. The action wheels are distributed, and each player sets up their action board. The unit and monster tiles are shuffled and placed according to their designated numbers on the board. The scoring tokens for gold, towers, and influence are randomly ordered and placed on the board for all players to see.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Action Programming: Players program six actions per round using action wheels.

Movement: Moving on red, blue, or black paths to different locations.

Recruitment: Recruiting units from cities.

Combat: Defeating monsters using the right combination of units.

Resource Management: Managing gold, influence markers, tower sections, and bard tokens.

Queue System: Defeated monsters and emptied cities are replaced by new tiles from respective queues.

Game Objective

Defeat Monsters: Use the right units to defeat monsters and collect rewards.

Collect Rewards: Choose from gold, influence markers, or bard tokens.

Score in Three Categories: Gold, towers, and influence, with a unique elimination system at the end of the game.

Military Census: Bonus rewards for having the most units of each type at certain intervals.

Player Experience

In Lords of Xidit, players embark on a strategic adventure, programming their moves carefully to outmaneuver their opponents. The game demands foresight, as players must anticipate the moves of others and adjust their strategies accordingly. The interaction between recruiting the right units and defeating the right monsters creates a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. The thematic elements, such as the beautifully illustrated board and unique unit molds, enhance the immersion, making it feel like a grand adventure despite the underlying mechanics.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: Combines action programming with pick-up-and-deliver elements.

High Replayability: Randomly ordered scoring tokens and variable monster placements ensure different games each time.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and anticipation of opponents’ moves.

Thematic Immersion: High production value with detailed artwork and unit molds.

Innovative Scoring System: Elimination system adds an exciting layer of competition.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the programming mechanism.

Luck Factor: The appearance of certain monsters or units can significantly impact strategy.

Titans: Certain powerful monsters can sometimes be easier to kill and disproportionately influence the game.

Personal Thoughts on Lords of Xidit

Lords of Xidit is ideal for players who enjoy strategic planning and tactical execution. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the complexity of action programming and the thrill of outmaneuvering opponents. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a gem for those who delight in deep strategy and thematic immersion. If you’re looking for a game that challenges you to think several steps ahead and offers a rich, adventurous experience, Lords of Xidit is an excellent choice.

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