Archmage (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Archmage is a fantasy board game released in in 2018. Designed by Enggar Adirasa and Dann May, it offers an immersive experience of exploration and territory building in a magical realm. With stunning artwork by Starling Games (II), Archmage has quickly gained a following among fans of fantasy and strategy games.

Game Components of Archmage

Central board with hex tiles representing various locations (Wilderness, Towns, Camps, and Mythic enclaves)

Player boards for tracking magical abilities and resources

Spell cards with three levels of magic (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3)

Apprentices and Mage figures

Relic tokens

Planetary discs matching the colors of the six spheres of magic

Ward tokens

Movement points and resource tokens

How To Setup Archmage

To set up Archmage, players begin by laying out the central board with hex tiles, most of which are face down except for the Towns and mythic race enclaves. Each player receives a player board, a set of meeples and tokens, and a deck of Spell cards. The six planetary discs are placed randomly across the top of the board, determining each player’s starting resources. Players start with fifteen Apprentices in their Company and place the remaining ten in the central supply. The game is ready to begin once all pieces are in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Exploration: Players move their Mage and Apprentices across the board to explore and control territory.

Resource Gathering: Players collect Relics from various locations to trade with mythic races for magical knowledge.

Area/Map Control: Players compete to control hex tiles, which grant victory points.

Spell System: Players learn and combine spells to create higher-level magic.

Objective: The goal is to become the Archmage by accumulating the most points through territory control and mastering powerful spells.

Player Experience

Playing Archmage involves a three-fold progression: early exploration and relic collection, mid-game apprentice promotion and spell development, and late-game spell battles over territory. The game is notable for its complex magic tech tree, where players must strategically choose between low-level and high-level spells. However, the game can be overwhelming due to its cluttered board design and laborious resource collection system.

Pros

Deep Magic System: The spell progression and combination mechanics offer a rich and engaging magical experience.

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and resource management.

Thematic Integration: The game’s setting and mechanics blend well, creating an immersive fantasy world.

Solo Mode: Archmage includes a solo mode with an automated opponent, though it lacks the full spell experience of multiplayer.

Cons

Visual Clutter: The board and tiles can be confusing due to similar colors and dense artwork.

Laborious Mechanics: Resource collection and area control can feel repetitive and slow.

Overproduction: The game’s deluxe components, while visually appealing, can detract from the play experience.

Personal Thoughts on Archmage

Archmage is ideal for players who enjoy complex strategy and deep thematic integration. It is particularly suited for fans of euro-style games and those who appreciate intricate magic systems. However, it may not be the best choice for players seeking a quick or straightforward game experience due to its lengthy playtime and complex setup. Despite its flaws, Archmage offers a unique and engaging experience, especially for those willing to invest time in understanding its mechanics.

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