Aristeia! is a competitive board game that was released in 2017 by Corvus Belli, a Spanish company known for their miniature wargames. Set in a futuristic world, Aristeia! combines elements of fighting, miniatures, science fiction, and sports, making it a unique and engaging game for players.
Game Components of Aristeia!
Game Board: A double-sided board made of hexes, with identical layouts but different visual designs on each side.Control Panels: Custom control panels for each player.Miniatures: Preassembled miniatures of the characters (Aristos).Tactics Cards: 52 standard-sized cards with special actions and abilities.Custom Dice: Bespoke dice with concave symbols for durability.Rulebook and Reference Guide: A detailed rulebook and a handy half-page reference guide.
How To Setup Aristeia!
Setting up Aristeia involves placing the game board, distributing the control panels, and each player selecting their team of four fighters (Aristos) along with their respective Tactics Cards. The game includes a “Learn to Play” scenario that guides players through the first turn, explaining each activation and dice roll in detail.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Turn-Based Activation: Players take turns activating individual models, with the underdog deciding who acts first.Dice Rolls: Custom dice are used to determine outcomes, such as dealing damage, triggering special abilities, and canceling enemy resources.Tactics Cards: Players use these cards to perform special actions, immobilize enemies, add dice to rolls, and execute other strategies.Scoring Zones: The objective is to score points by moving into scoring zones; the first player to 8 points wins.Character Abilities: Each character has unique abilities and special cards, allowing for team customization and strategic gameplay.
Player Experience
Aristeia offers a engaging and strategic experience, particularly for competitive players. The game demands careful planning of character activations, Tactics Card usage, and positioning on the hex grid. The gameplay is fast-paced and involves a lot of movement and tactical tricks, giving it a MOBA-like feel. New players can quickly grasp the rules through the included “Learn to Play” scenario.
Pros
High Replay Value: Numerous team permutations and deck-building options provide extensive replayability.Well-Designed Mechanics: The game’s engine is polished, offering a lot of strategic depth without overwhelming complexity.Preassembled Miniatures: Miniatures come preassembled, making it easy to start playing quickly.Clear Rules: The rules are well-explained and easy to understand, even for new players.
Cons
Visual Design: Some players find the visual design of the cards and board to be somewhat flat or silly due to pastel colors.Limited Variety in Board Design: Both sides of the game board have the same layout, differing only in visual design.Complexity for New Players: While the game is intuitive for experienced players, it may be confusing for those new to complex board games.
Personal Thoughts on Aristeia!
Aristeia is ideal for seasoned board game players and fans of competitive, strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy miniatures games and have an interest in the Infinity the Game universe. While it may not be the best choice for casual gaming groups due to its complexity, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those willing to dive into its depth.
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