Capital Lux (2016) Board Game

Capital Lux is a card game designed by Kristian Amundsen Østby and Eilif Svensson, and published by Aporta Games in in 2016. The game is set in a futuristic world where players take on the roles of powerful leaders competing for control over the capital city. With its unique blend of bluffing, hand management, and area majority mechanics, Capital Lux has gained popularity among fans of strategic card games.

Game Components of Capital Lux

Character Cards: These cards represent citizens with unique abilities and point values.

Capital Board: A central board where players contribute character cards to benefit from their powers.

Player Boards: Each player has a home base where they can play character cards for points.

Artwork: Features painted art by American artist Kwanchai Moriya.

How To Setup Capital Lux

To set up the game, each player drafts a hand of five or six character cards at the beginning of each round. The Capital board is placed in the center, and each player receives their own home base board. The character cards are shuffled and distributed to the players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Drafting: Players draft character cards at the start of each round.

Hand Management: Players must manage their cards carefully to maximize points.

Area Control: Players contribute cards to the Capital to benefit from their powers.

Game Objective

Balance Points and Powers: Players must decide whether to play character cards in their home base for points or contribute them to the Capital to benefit from their unique abilities.

Avoid Exceeding Limits: At the end of each round, players cannot have a higher total value in their home base for any color than the current total value in the Capital. Exceeding this limit results in losing those cards.

Maximize Points: The goal is to secure as many points as possible without exceeding the Capital’s limits, taking into account the current capital powers.

Player Experience

Playing **Capital Lux** is an intense balancing act. Players must weigh the benefits of contributing cards to the Capital against the risk of losing valuable points if their home base values exceed the Capital’s. This creates a thrilling experience where strategic planning and adaptability are crucial.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers deep strategic gameplay due to the complex interplay between home base and Capital contributions.

Replayability: The unique abilities of the character cards and the need to adapt to changing Capital powers ensure high replayability.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 10 and above, making it a great option for family game nights.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s mechanics and rules can be complex for new players, requiring several rounds to fully grasp.

Luck Element: Drafting character cards introduces an element of luck, which can affect gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Capital Lux

**Capital Lux** is ideal for players who enjoy tactical card games and strategic planning. It is perfect for families looking for a game that challenges and engages everyone, as well as for casual gamers who want to dive into deeper gameplay mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a quick, simple game or those who are averse to complex rules and strategic thinking.

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