Aura (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Aura is an abstract strategy card game that was designed by Cassandra Orion and released in 2017 by Breaking Games. It is designed for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. The game features a mix of hand management, pattern building, and simultaneous action selection mechanics, making for a unique gameplay experience.

Game Components of Aura

4 deck boxes, each containing a 52-card deck
– 40 Numbered cards (1–8 in five colors)
– 5 Wild cards (1 in each color)
– 5 Action cards (1 in each color)
– 1 Aura card (black)
– 1 Reference card

How To Setup Aura

To set up, each player takes one deck of cards. The black Aura card is set aside and the rest of the cards are shuffled. Each player draws a hand of 8 cards. The Aura card is then placed at the bottom of each deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Attack and Defend: The active player attacks by laying 2 to 5 cards face-down, all of the same color or all different colors. Other players defend by playing one card per attack card to block or beat the active player’s cards.

Blocking: Defenders must play a card of the same suit with a higher number or any card of the trump color.

Chains: If the active player plays multiple cards of the same value, they form a chain that must be completely blocked to avoid any cards being unblocked.

Action Cards: Each color has a unique action (Return, Double, Trade, Reverse, Block) that can significantly affect gameplay.

Game End: The game ends when the Aura card reaches the top of a player’s deck for the second time. The player with the most cards left in their draw deck and hand wins.

Player Experience

Aura offers a strategic yet accessible experience, making it a great game for both casual players and those looking for a bit more depth. The game’s abstract theme and minimalistic design keep it family-friendly and easy to learn. The addition of action cards and the chaining mechanism adds a layer of complexity that requires thoughtful planning.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to younger players.

Strategic Depth: Action cards and chaining add complexity for strategic thinking.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and up, making it a great family game.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last between 20-40 minutes.

Cons

Component Quality: Some users have noted minor issues with the quality of the components.

Tiebreaker Complexity: The tiebreaker rules can be cumbersome, requiring additional calculations.

Personal Thoughts on Aura

Aura is an excellent choice for families or groups looking for a game that balances simplicity with strategic depth. It’s a great introduction to more complex card games for younger players and provides enough challenge for adults to remain engaged. If you enjoy games like War but are looking for something with more strategy, Aura is definitely worth a try.

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