Atheneum: Mystic Library (2020) Board Game

Atheneum: Mystic Library is a card game released in 2020 by Renegade Game Studios. It is designed by L’Atelier and features artwork by Veronika Fedorova. The game is set in a mystical library where players take on the role of librarians collecting books and artifacts to expand their collection.

Game Components of Atheneum: Mystic Library

Books: Represented by cards of various colors, each with unique titles.

Magic Wands: Used to mark completed objectives.

Spider Tokens: Reward players for filling sections of the bookshelf.

Deck A and Deck B: Cards used in the two rounds of the game.

Bookshelves: Where players arrange and stack their books.

Objective Cards: Define the goals players need to achieve.

Bonus Tokens: Provide additional points or benefits.

How To Setup Atheneum: Mystic Library

To set up the game, each player starts with two magic wands. The game is divided into two rounds, each using a different deck of cards (Deck A for Round 1 and Deck B for Round 2). Players are dealt six cards, from which they play one and pass the remaining five to the next player. The objective is to arrange the books on the bookshelf according to the objectives and rules provided by the cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Drafting: Players select and play cards from a hand.

Hand Management: Managing the cards to achieve objectives.

Resource Management: Using magic wands and spider tokens.

Pattern Building: Arranging books on the bookshelf.

Game Objective

Score Points: By completing objectives and filling sections of the bookshelf.

Use Magic Wands: To mark completed objectives and score points.

Utilize Spider Tokens: To gain additional benefits like bonus tokens, new books, or side shelves.

Fill Bookshelves: To score bonus points for completely filled sections.

Player Experience

Playing Atheneum: Mystic Library involves strategic planning and tactical execution. Players must carefully select which books to play and how to arrange them to meet the objectives. The game has a unique theme of managing a magical library, which adds a touch of fantasy to the traditional shelving mechanic. However, the game can become somewhat anticlimactic towards the end as objectives either get completed quickly or become impossible to achieve.

Pros

Unique Theme: A fantasy twist on library management.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful card management and planning.

Variety in Cards: Each book has a different title, adding flavor to the game.

Multiple Paths to Victory: Various ways to score points and complete objectives.

Cons

Anticlimactic Endgame: Objectives can become either trivial or impossible to achieve near the end.

Components Could Be Better: Some players find the game components to be a mixed bag in terms of quality.

Personal Thoughts on Atheneum: Mystic Library

Atheneum: Mystic Library is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a unique theme. It suits those who appreciate pattern-building and resource management mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a game with a strong narrative or those who prefer games with more consistent excitement throughout. For fans of library-themed games or those interested in fantasy settings, this game offers an intriguing and challenging experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.