Artifact (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Artifact is a board game released in 2013, designed by Christophe Swal and published by White Goblin Games. The game falls under the adventure, ancient, and exploration categories, with a focus on hand management and set collection mechanics. It is designed for 3-5 players, aged 12 and up, with a runtime of approximately 60 minutes.

Game Components of Artifact

Game board

Player cards

Artifact cards

Exploration cards

Tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Artifact

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the Artifact cards and place them face down on the board.

Each player receives a set of player cards and tokens.

Shuffle the Exploration cards and place them in a face-down deck.

Determine a starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Artifact, players take on the role of explorers searching for ancient artifacts. The objective is to collect sets of Artifact cards and fulfill specific tasks to earn points. Players must manage their hand of cards strategically to outwit their opponents and claim victory.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging gameplay mechanics

Strategic depth

Beautiful artwork

Thematic immersion

Cons:

Limited player interaction

Steep learning curve for new players

Personal Thoughts on Artifact

Artifact is a well-designed game with solid mechanics and a captivating theme. The build quality is commendable, and the artwork adds to the immersive experience. However, the game may not be suitable for casual players due to its complexity and lack of player interaction. In terms of pricing and availability, Artifact can be found both new and used, but it may not be readily available at all retailers.

For those who enjoy strategic games with a thematic twist, Artifact is definitely worth your time. However, if you prefer games with more player interaction or simpler rules, you may want to skip this one. Alternatives to Artifact include similar exploration and adventure games like Lost Cities or Forbidden Island. Ultimately, whether Artifact is worth your time depends on your gaming preferences and the level of challenge you seek in a board game.

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