Art Society (2023) Board Game

Art Society is a board game released in 2023 by designer Mitch Wallace and published by Mighty Boards. It is a puzzle game that incorporates various auction mechanics and is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 10 and up. The game features stunning artwork by Veronica Grassi, Max Kosek, Angelica Regni, and Sofia Rossi.

Game Components of Art Society

1 Museum Board

4 Player Boards

4 Starting Bidding Cards

4 Player Aids

80 Bidding Cards

116 Painting Tiles

108 Decor Tiles

8 Player Score Markers

4 Prestige Markers

7 Auction Tokens

1 Auctioneer Gavel

4 Bonus Tiles.

How To Setup Art Society

To set up Art Society, each player receives a Player Board, a set of Starting Bidding Cards, and a Player Aid. The Painting Tiles, Decor Tiles, and other components are placed within reach of all players. The Museum Board is set up to track the paintings that are not bought and will eventually affect the trends and values of the art collections.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bid on Paintings: Players bid using Bidding Cards to acquire Painting Tiles.

Arrange Paintings: Tiles must be placed orthogonally on the Player Board, avoiding matching painting types touching each other to prevent “faux pas” which negate scores.

Increase Prestige and Score: Arrange tiles to maximize scores, considering frame styles and Decor bonuses. The game ends when a player fills their board or when two paintings are set aside and cannot be placed or held.

Mechanics:
– Auction: Sealed Bid
– End Game Bonuses
– Increase Value of Unchosen Resources
– Market
– Pattern Building
– Tile Placement.

Player Experience

Art Society offers an engaging and easy-to-learn experience, making it accessible to a wide range of players, including hobbyists and non-hobbyists alike. The game is quick to play, lasting 30-60 minutes, and features a simple yet interactive tile-drafting system. However, the game is less engaging with only two players due to the bidding dynamics becoming less competitive.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules that can be taught in less than ten minutes.

Interactive Gameplay: Engaging tile-drafting system that includes “hate drafting” elements.

Visually Appealing: Beautiful artwork and useful inserts for organization.

Quick Playtime: Games last between 30-60 minutes.

Mass Appeal: Suitable for various gaming groups and hobbyists.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Less engaging with only two players.

Quality Control Issues: Some users have reported receiving duplicated boards or missing tiles.

Personal Thoughts on Art Society

Art Society is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a light, interactive, and visually appealing game. It is particularly suited for groups of 3-4 players who enjoy bidding and tile-laying mechanics. The game’s ease of learning and quick playtime make it a great option for both casual and experienced gamers. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a deeply complex game or for two-player sessions due to the less competitive bidding environment.

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