The Celtic board game, released in 2020, is a strategic economic game set in prehistoric times. Designed by Bartłomiej Kordowski and featuring artwork by Pegasus Spiele, the game allows 2 to 4 players to step into the shoes of ancient tribes as they compete to expand their territories and establish trade routes.
Game Components of Celtic
Game Board: Depicts a Celtic Age meadowland in central Germany.Family Markers: 8 markers per player, colored by family.Goal Cards: Two types – Simple Goals (2 locations, 15 points) and Hard Goals (3 locations, 20 points).Trade Cards: Collected from diamond-shaped trading posts.Starting Village: The central starting point for all family markers.Roads and Locations: 50 round location sites and 7 diamond-shaped trading posts on the board.
How To Setup Celtic
To set up Celtic, each player chooses a family color and places all 8 of their family markers on the Celtic Village. Each player draws 2 Goal cards and adds them to their hand. The game board is placed in the middle, and the Trade cards are shuffled and placed face down on their respective trading post locations.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Movement: Players move one or two spaces along the roads on the board with at least one family marker. Other players can follow the active player’s move.Goal Completion: Players can complete Goal cards by having markers on all locations listed on the card and then return the markers to the starting village.Trade Cards: Players can collect Trade cards by returning a marker to the starting village from a trading post.Game End: The game ends when a player completes their fifth Goal card or when a player announces they have one of each of the 7 Trade cards.Scoring: Points are awarded for completed Goal cards and Trade cards, with a complex scoring system for Trade cards based on the types collected.
Player Experience
Celtic offers a straightforward and free-flowing gameplay experience, making it accessible to families and new gamers. The game requires strategic movement and planning to complete goals and collect trade cards. The interaction between players, especially the ability to follow each other’s moves, adds a social element to the game.
Pros
Easy to Learn: Simple setup and rules make it a great introduction to board games.Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages and skill levels.Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game offers enough strategy to keep players engaged.Social Interaction: Players can follow each other’s moves, adding a fun social dynamic.
Cons
Limited Complexity: May be too simple for experienced gamers seeking deeper strategy.Theme: Despite the Celtic theme, the game is set in central Germany, which might confuse some players.Scoring System: The scoring for Trade cards can be complex and may require additional time to explain.
Personal Thoughts on Celtic
Celtic is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a light, enjoyable game that doesn’t take too long to play. It’s also a good filler game for game groups seeking a quick, fun experience. However, it may not satisfy gamers who prefer more complex and strategic gameplay. Overall, Celtic is a pleasant addition to any game collection, offering a balance of simplicity and strategic engagement.
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