Imperius (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Imperius is a card game set in a futuristic science fiction world, where players take on the roles of powerful factions vying for control of the galaxy. Released in 2018, this game was designed by Chris Byer and published by Kolossal Games. With a runtime of 20-45 minutes and designed for 2-4 players, Imperius offers a blend of strategy and tactics in a compact gameplay experience.

Game Components of Imperius

28 Planet cards

112 Agent cards

16 Event cards

4 House boards

Tokens for tracking influence, favor, and strength

Rulebook

How To Setup Imperius

To set up Imperius, each player selects a house board and receives the same initial six cards, which provide strength, favor, and other abilities. The planet cards are shuffled and laid out, and each player drafts their starting hand from a shared pool of cards. The remaining undrafted cards are distributed to the planets, marking the beginning of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players select cards from a shared pool to form their hand.

Hidden Information: Cards can be played face-up or face-down, adding a layer of strategy and deception.

Agent Deployment: Players deploy agents to various planets, each with unique abilities and effects.

Event Cards: These cards can be used to manipulate the game state or disrupt opponents.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most influence by strategically deploying agents and leveraging events.

Player Experience

Imperius is a game of information brokerage, subtle manipulation, and undercutting competition. Players engage in an escalating series of moves, deploying agents and events to various planets. The game thrives on the interplay between public and secret information, requiring players to make calculated decisions to outmaneuver their opponents. Each misstep can benefit an opponent, making the game highly interactive and tense.

Pros

Highly Interactive: The game is full of opportunities for strategic manipulation and counterplay.

Fast-Paced: Games are quick, lasting between 20-45 minutes.

Replayability: The game includes a lot of interchangeable content, ensuring varied gameplay experiences.

Tightly-Coiled Control: Despite elements of randomness, the game allows for precise strategic play.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s unique mechanics and strategies can take time to master.

Highly Competitive: Some players may find the constant undercutting and manipulation stressful.

Personal Thoughts on Imperius

Imperius is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card drafting games with a strong focus on social interaction and deception. It is perfect for those looking for a game that is both quick to play and rich in strategy. The game’s unique blend of hidden information and public manipulation makes it a standout in its category, appealing to fans of games like Solstice and other complex, short-form games. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more relaxed or cooperative gaming experience.

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