Colossus (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Colossus is a card game designed by Adrien Rives and published in in 2022. It falls into the category of deck construction games, where players build their decks strategically to outplay their opponents.

Game Components of Colossus

Cards: Representing the Colossus’s weaknesses, the player’s grip strength, and various actions.

Advanced Action Cards: Used to gain special abilities.

Final Blow Cards: Determine the difficulty level of the game.

Board: Features areas of the Colossus that the player must climb.

Markers: Track the player’s progress and the Colossus’s weakness.

Deck: Contains both positive and negative cards that affect gameplay.

How To Setup Colossus

To set up Colossus, start by placing the weakness and grip strength cards on designated positions on the board. Shuffle and place the advanced action cards and other action cards in their respective areas. Randomly choose a final blow card, with the option to start with the easier mode (five on the back). Shuffle the remaining cards and draw the first card to place on the board, representing the starting point on the Colossus.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck-Building: Players add and remove cards from their deck to manage resources and abilities.

Pattern-Building: Players create patterns on the board to match or exceed required numbers.

Resource Management: Manage grip strength and actions to avoid losing the game.

Game Objective: The player must climb the Colossus, damaging it along the way, and deliver a final blow at the top to win.

Player Experience

Playing Colossus is a challenging and strategic experience. The game requires careful planning and resource management to maintain grip strength and damage the Colossus. Each turn involves drawing cards, creating patterns, and making tactical decisions to advance up the Colossus. The game’s difficulty escalates as the player progresses, making each playthrough unique and demanding.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Requires thoughtful planning and resource management.

High Replayability: Multiple final blow cards and random card draws ensure varied gameplay.

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of deck-building and pattern-building keeps the game engaging.

Thematic Experience: The game’s design closely mirrors the video game Shadow of the Colossus, providing a nostalgic and immersive experience.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s mechanics can be complex for new players.

Solo Only: Limited to solo play, which may not appeal to all players.

Risk of Losing Grip: Losing grip strength can be irreversible, leading to game loss if not managed carefully.

Personal Thoughts on Colossus

Colossus is ideal for players who enjoy solo adventures and are looking for a game that challenges their strategic thinking. It is particularly appealing to fans of the video game Shadow of the Colossus, as it captures the essence and difficulty of the original game. However, due to its complexity and solo-only nature, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those seeking multiplayer experiences.

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