Blazon (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Blazon is a medieval-themed board game designed by Ian O’Toole and published by 25th Century Games. It was released in 2023 and is suitable for 1-4 players aged 14 and up. The game combines elements of puzzle-solving, hand management, open drafting, pattern building, and set collection to create a unique gaming experience.

Game Components of Blazon

Shield board for each player

Herald tokens (wooden in the Deluxe Edition)

Achievement Animal tokens (wooden in the Deluxe Edition)

Abatement tokens (wooden in the Deluxe Edition)

Card deck for drafting symbols and devices

Cloth bag (included in both Regular and Deluxe Editions)

Embellishments Mini-Expansion (included in both Regular and Deluxe Editions)

Metal achievements (additional in the Deluxe Edition).

How To Setup Blazon

To set up Blazon, each player starts with a blank Shield board. Players are dealt a starting hand of cards, which contain various heraldic symbols and devices. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile. The wooden tokens, if using the Deluxe Edition, are sorted and made available for players to use during the game. The cloth bag and Embellishments Mini-Expansion are also prepared according to the instructions provided.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft cards to acquire heraldic symbols and devices.

Tableau Building: Players place these symbols on their Shield board to create their heraldic shield.

Hand Management: Managing the cards to make strategic choices.

Tile Placement: Placing symbols on the Shield board strategically.

Objective: To design a heraldic shield by acquiring and placing elements, earning distinctions through careful choices, and describing the shield in the language of Heraldry.

Player Experience

Playing Blazon immerses you in the world of medieval heraldry, where you act as a herald designing your own unique shield. The game combines strategic card drafting and tile placement, requiring careful planning and attention to detail. The beauty of heraldic designs and the satisfaction of earning distinctions make the game engaging and rewarding.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a good balance of strategy and luck.

Educational: Introduces players to the language and concepts of heraldry.

Visual Appeal: The game components, especially in the Deluxe Edition, are of high quality and visually appealing.

Variety: The Embellishments Mini-Expansion adds additional gameplay elements.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game’s rules and the language of Heraldry may take some time to learn.

Component Overload: For some players, the number of components and tokens might be overwhelming.

Personal Thoughts on Blazon

Blazon is ideal for those who enjoy strategic card games, puzzle-solving, and historical themes. It is particularly suited for fans of tableau builders and those interested in learning about heraldry. The game’s educational aspect and the beauty of its components make it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for players looking for a quick, simple game due to its learning curve and component complexity.

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