Vivid Memories (2022) Board Game

Vivid Memories is a board game released in 2022 and designed by Andrew Bosley. It is a puzzle game that challenges players to create beautiful patterns on a hexagon grid board. The game has garnered attention for its unique gameplay mechanics and beautiful artwork by Floodgate Games.

Game Components of Vivid Memories

Brain Board: Each player receives a recessed Brain board, serving as the central gameplay area.

Memory Bank Board: Used for managing actions and replacing default actions with Moment tiles.

Aspiration Tile: A hidden tile that earns extra points at the end of the game for collecting specific colored fragments.

Moment Tiles: Tiles with actions and scoring configurations.

Fragment Tokens: Colored tokens representing memory fragments, each double-coded with a color and a symbol.

Scoreboard and Score Markers: For tracking players’ points.

Core Memory Slots: Slots on the Brain board for connecting fragments to form Core Memories.

How To Setup Vivid Memories

To set up Vivid Memories, each player starts by receiving a Brain Board, a Memory Bank Board, and a secret Aspiration Tile. Moment Tiles are shuffled and set aside. Fragment Tokens are drawn based on the player count (e.g., 11 tokens of each color for 2 players, 17 for 3 players, 20 for 4 players) and placed into a bag. The scoreboard is positioned nearby, and each player selects score markers. The round marker is placed on Round 1 to initiate the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics

Drafting: Players take turns drafting 1, 2, or 3 fragments from Moment Tiles, with specific color restrictions.

Action Management: Players place Moment Tiles on their Memory Bank Board to replace default actions, which can be used once per round to manipulate fragments.

Connection Building: Connecting fragments to form Core Memories and scoring threads.

Scoring: Scoring points for specific combinations of fragments, Core Memories, and Cherished Moment Tiles.

Game Objective

The objective is to collect and connect memory fragments to earn the most points by forming Core Memories, scoring threads, and fulfilling the secret Aspiration.

Player Experience

Vivid Memories offers a challenging and engaging experience, requiring players to think ahead and strategically manage their actions. The game is visually and tactically appealing, with adorable art on the Moment Tiles and a distinctive look. However, it can be complex, making it easy to overlook scoring opportunities or mismanage actions. The gameplay is rewarding, with a volatile scoring system that can see players surging ahead in the final round.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Requires deep planning and strategic thinking.

Visually Appealing: Adorable art and distinctive tile shapes.

Dynamic Scoring: Volatile scoring system with potential for late-game surges.

Replayability: High replay value due to variable setup and hidden aspirations.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players, with many rules to remember.

Visual Overload: Easy to miss scoring opportunities due to the complexity of the board.

Action Management: Mistakes in action placement can hinder future rounds.

Personal Thoughts on Vivid Memories

Vivid Memories is ideal for players who enjoy abstract strategy and puzzle games. It is best suited for those who appreciate complex gameplay and are willing to invest time in understanding the intricate mechanics. The game is not for casual players seeking a light, easy-to-learn experience but is perfect for gamers looking for a challenging and rewarding puzzle to solve. If you enjoy games that stimulate your mind and offer a sense of accomplishment through careful planning, Vivid Memories is an excellent choice.

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.