Castellion (2015) Board Game

Castellion is a tile-placement puzzle game that was designed by Élise Plessis and released in in 2015. It is published by Z-Man Games and falls under the fantasy and puzzle game categories. The game is designed for 1-2 players and has a runtime of around 30 minutes. The game has received mixed reviews from players and critics, with some praising its challenging gameplay and others finding it to be too difficult.

Game Components of Castellion

Tiles in four different colors (elementals) and three shapes (squares, triangles, circles)

Three “Ordeal” cards

Standard and “safe” tile stacks

Defender and traitor tiles

Optional expansion: “The Pantry” and a purple oni-meeple for difficulty modification

How To Setup Castellion

To set up Castellion, players start by choosing three “Ordeal” cards randomly, with the first one face-up and the others face-down. Two stacks of tiles are formed: one containing 12 “safe” Dream tiles and the other containing 72 standard tiles. The game begins with the player drawing a tile and deciding whether to place it in the castle or discard it.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Tile-laying and placement with shape restrictions

Discarding tiles to use special powers

Managing traitor tiles to avoid penalties

Building specific patterns to meet Ordeal requirements

Game Objective

Construct a castle that meets the requirements listed on the three Ordeal cards.

Survive three ordeals to win the game.

Use tile powers and strategic placement to overcome challenges.

Player Experience

In Castellion, players are tasked with building a dynamic castle while protecting it from traitors. The game offers three levels of complexity: the School of Architects, the Admiral’s Academy, and The Menace, each introducing new challenges and special powers. The game is known for its puzzle-like aspect, requiring players to make strategic decisions about tile placement and power usage.

Pros

Multiple Difficulty Levels: The game offers increasing complexity, making it appealing to a wide range of players.

Quick Gameplay: Games are typically 30 minutes long, making it a great option for those with limited time.

Portable: The game is compact and easy to transport.

Strategic Depth: Advanced levels introduce special powers and formations that add complexity and replayability.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant degree of luck, especially in the early levels.

Frustrating Difficulty: Some players find the easier levels still quite challenging and frustrating.

Visual Consistency: The tile placement rules can be confusing, especially when using special powers.

High Dependency on Draw: The timing of drawing traitor tiles can heavily influence the outcome of the game.

Personal Thoughts on Castellion

Castellion is ideal for solo gamers who enjoy puzzle-like challenges and strategic tile placement. While it has a two-player variant, the game is clearly designed with solo play in mind. It is suited for players who appreciate the Oniverse’s unique artwork and thematic style, despite some finding it vague or open to interpretation. For those who enjoy games with increasing complexity and the need for strategic thinking, Castellion is a compelling choice. However, players who prefer more control over game outcomes or are bothered by the luck factor may find it less appealing.

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