Cryptic Nature (2024) Board Game

Cryptic Nature is a board game released in 2024, designed by Evgeny Shvenk and Victor Zaburdaev. It is categorized as a dice game with elements of environmental, mythology, and travel themes. The game features stunning artwork by iDventure and offers a unique gaming experience for 1 to 4 players.

Game Components of Cryptic Nature

Game Board: A magnetic board featuring a map of Europe.

Player Figures: Cryptozoologist and assistant figures.

Dice: Resource dice for gathering resources.

Cards: Evidence cards, contract cards, and skill cards.

Tiles: Sanctuary tiles for building the wildlife sanctuary.

Cryptid Tokens: Representing various European cryptids.

Artwork: Naturalistic illustrations by Evgeny Shvenk and Victor Zaburdaev.

How To Setup Cryptic Nature

To set up the game, players start by placing the magnetic board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a cryptozoologist and an assistant figure and places them on the board according to the starting locations. The resource dice, evidence cards, contract cards, and skill cards are shuffled and distributed as per the rules. The sanctuary tiles and cryptid tokens are also prepared and placed within reach of the players. The initiative track is set up to manage the turn order and bonuses.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases: The game consists of two phases – the Cryptozoologist Phase and the Assistant Phase.

Cryptozoologist Phase: The cryptozoologist moves around Europe to find evidence of cryptids, captures them, and resettles them in a sanctuary or safe places provided by cities.

Assistant Phase: The assistant raises funds, helps the cryptozoologist, and finds important information about cryptids. The assistant can move up or down the initiative track to gain resources or activate skills.

Mechanics: Point to Point Movement, Dice Rolling, Pick-up and Deliver, Set Collection, Tile Placement, Variable Player Powers, Action Retrieval, Contracts, Grid Coverage.

Objective: The goal is to become a renowned cryptozoologist by capturing and settling the most cryptids, fulfilling contracts, and gaining the most reputation.

Player Experience

Players immerse themselves in a world where cryptids are real and need to be discovered and protected. The game balances strategy and luck, appealing to both risk-takers and planners. The naturalistic artwork and detailed descriptions of each cryptid enhance the thematic experience, making players feel like they are part of an ecosystem where these creatures coexist with humans.

Pros

Thematic Depth: Rich in cryptozoological lore and naturalistic artwork.

Balanced Mechanics: Combines strategy and luck, making it engaging for various player types.

Replayability: Multiple cryptids and varied player actions ensure different experiences each game.

Educational: Introduces players to lesser-known European cryptids and the importance of conservation.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a moderate complexity level, which might be overwhelming for casual players.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the numerous components.

Length: The game can take up to 90 minutes, which may not be suitable for all players.

Personal Thoughts on Cryptic Nature

**Cryptic Nature** is ideal for fans of Euro-style games and those interested in cryptozoology. It offers a unique blend of exploration, strategy, and conservation, making it a compelling choice for players who enjoy thematic games with depth. The game’s emphasis on saving and preserving cryptids adds an educational and altruistic layer, appealing to players who value games with a meaningful message. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking quick, lightweight games or those who are new to complex board games.

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