By Jove (1983) Board Game – Board Game Guys

By Jove is a board game released in 1983, designed by Elizabeth Lada and published by Aristoplay. The game is set in ancient times and revolves around mythology and fantasy themes. It is an educational game aimed at players aged 10 and up, with a runtime of about 90 minutes.

Game Components of By Jove

Board: A game board featuring various locations from Greek mythology.

Player Pieces: Hero characters and mortal pieces.

Cards: Oracle and Pot Luck cards that influence gameplay.

Gold Coins: Used as currency within the game.

VAP Awards: Special awards required to complete quests.

Quest Cards: For the Quest for the Golden Fleece and the Labyrinth.

Booklet: Includes mythology stories and game instructions.

How To Setup By Jove

To set up the game, players start by choosing their pieces and placing them at the beginning of the board. Each player starts as a mortal with the goal of becoming a hero. The Oracle and Pot Luck cards are shuffled and placed within reach. The gold coins, VAP awards, and quest cards are also distributed according to the instructions in the booklet.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll and Move: Players roll dice to move around the board.

Draw Cards: Players draw Oracle and Pot Luck cards, which can have positive or negative effects.

Collect Items: Players collect and lose items such as gold coins, hero characters, and VAP awards.

Complete Quests: Players must kill 8 monsters, collect the required VAP awards, 14 gold coins, and complete the Quest for the Golden Fleece and the Labyrinth.

Story Integration: Players read mythology stories from the booklet to avoid penalties.

Player Experience

Playing By Jove is a fast-paced and unpredictable experience. The game is highly engaging, with significant swings in fortune due to the Oracle and Pot Luck cards. Players learn about various characters and stories from Greek mythology, making it both educational and entertaining. The game’s excitement lies in its unpredictability, where a player’s progress can be significantly altered in a single turn.

Pros

Educational Value: Introduces players to Greek mythology.

Engaging Gameplay: Fast-paced and unpredictable.

Variety of Challenges: Multiple quests and objectives to complete.

Artistic Design: The game is artistically done, enhancing the player experience.

Cons

Availability: The game is no longer in production, making it hard to find.

Components: Sometimes lacks enough gold coins; hero pieces may not stand well on their bases.

Complexity: The game can be lengthy and may not fit within a single class period.

Personal Thoughts on By Jove

By Jove is ideal for families, educators, and anyone interested in Greek mythology. It is particularly suitable for adolescents who can benefit from the educational aspect while enjoying the game’s excitement. For those who enjoy a mix of strategy, luck, and mythology, this game is a gem, despite its age and availability challenges. However, due to its complexity and length, it may not be the best fit for very young children or those looking for a quick, simple game.

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