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Coven (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

Coven is a board game that was released in in 2015. Designed by Edu Torres and featuring artwork by 8th Summit, the game falls into the deduction, fantasy, horror, and negotiation categories. With a theme centered around witches, Coven is designed for 3-5 players, best played with 4-5 players, and has a runtime of 60-90 minutes. The game is recommended for ages 14 and up.

Game Components of Coven

  • Playable Characters:** Five Witches (Earth, Water, Spirit, Air, and Fire) along with their miniatures.
  • Goddess Power/Balance Board:** Tracks Favor and Balance.
  • Magic Crystals:** Black and White crystals used in gameplay.
  • Hidden Alignment Tokens:** To keep player and Goddess alignments secret.
  • Reversal Alignment Crosses:** For players who switch sides.
  • Artifact Cards and Balance Cards:** Add depth to the game.
  • Goddess Board:** To track the Goddesses’ alignments and influence.
  • Circular Playing Board:** Features a rotating pentagram that changes tactics with each rotation.

    How To Setup Coven

    To set up Coven, players first choose their Witch characters and place their miniatures on the board. Each player receives a set of character cards and hidden alignment tokens to determine whether they serve the light or the darkness. The Goddess Board is set up to track the Favor and Balance of the Goddesses, and the magic crystals, artifact cards, and balance cards are distributed according to the rules. The rotating pentagram on the circular board is aligned correctly to start the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Secret Alignments:** Players and Goddesses have hidden alignments (light or darkness).
  • Dice Rolling:** Used for various actions during the game.
  • Forming Alliances:** Players gather information to deduce alignments and form alliances.
  • Casting Hexes:** Players can cast hexes to hinder opponents.
  • Rotating Pentagram:** Changes game tactics with each rotation.
  • Game Objective:** The side (Light or Dark) that scores the most Balance wins. However, only the Witch with the most Power on the dominating side can win.

    Player Experience

    Coven offers a strategic and engaging experience where players must balance their efforts between scoring Balance for their side and accumulating Power individually. The game demands careful planning, deduction, and tactical decisions. Players must navigate the complexities of secret alignments, form alliances, and cast hexes to outmaneuver their opponents.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategic Gameplay:** Requires careful planning and deduction.
  • High Replayability:** Due to the secret alignments and rotating pentagram.
  • Thematic Immersion:** The witch and goddess theme adds to the game’s atmosphere.
  • Visual Components:** High-quality miniatures and boards enhance the gaming experience.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules:** Can be daunting for new players.
  • Long Setup Time:** Setting up the game can take some time.
  • Player Interaction:** Some players may find the level of interaction and deduction overwhelming.

    Personal Thoughts on Coven

    Coven is ideal for players who enjoy strategic deduction games with a strong thematic element. It is suited for those who appreciate complex gameplay mechanics and are willing to invest time in understanding the rules. The game is not recommended for casual gamers or those who prefer straightforward rules, but it is a gem for fans of deep, interactive board games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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