Crystallized (2021) Board Game

Crystallized is a abstract strategy game released in 2021 by Games by Bicycle. It is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. The game involves pattern building and strategic thinking to outwit your opponents.

Game Components of Crystallized

120 hexagonal cards

72 crystals (12 of each color)

Facet Board

Drawstring Bag

Instructions

How To Setup Crystallized

To set up Crystallized, shuffle the cards and form a draw pile. Each player is dealt three cards face down. A starting card is randomly selected from the draw pile and placed face up in the middle of the table. Players then draw a number of crystals from the drawstring bag, depending on the number of players: 36 crystals for 2 players, 24 crystals for 3 players, and 18 crystals for 4 players. The game begins with a chosen player, and the turn order proceeds clockwise.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective

Deposit as many crystals as possible to the communal facet board by matching colors on the hexagonal cards.

The player with the least number of crystals at the end of the game wins.

Gameplay Mechanics

Card Placement: Play cards next to or on top of existing cards, ensuring color matches.

Crystal Placement: Deposit crystals to the facet board based on color matches.

Blocking Opponents: Fill a facet board section to force opponents to take unwanted crystals.

Card Exchange: Exchange cards from your hand with those from the draw pile.

3D Perspective: Cards can be played to cover one or two faces of previously played cards, creating a 3D-like effect.

Player Experience

Crystallized offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Players must balance matching colors on the cards to deposit crystals while managing their crystal inventory carefully. The game introduces a ‘take that’ mechanic where players can block others from getting rid of their crystals or pass unwanted crystals to them. This creates an engaging and sometimes challenging environment, requiring players to think strategically about their moves. However, the need to find optimal plays can lead to analysis paralysis, particularly towards the end of the game.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Combines abstract strategy with tile placement, offering a lot to consider each turn.

Color Matching Challenge: Easy to learn but difficult to master, making it appealing to a wide range of players.

Unique Mechanics: The ability to overlap cards and the ‘take that’ mechanic add a fresh twist.

Short Playtime: Games typically last between 15-30 minutes.

Cons

Analysis Paralysis: The need to find the optimal play each turn can slow down the game.

Luck Factor: The random distribution of crystals can significantly impact gameplay.

Potential for Dullness: Some players may find the game dull or boring if they are not engaged in the strategic aspects.

Personal Thoughts on Crystallized

Crystallized is ideal for fans of abstract strategy and tile placement games. It is suitable for families and friends, catering to players aged 8 and above. The game’s unique mechanics and short playtime make it an excellent addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy strategic puzzles and a bit of competitive flair. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer quick, straightforward games or those who are easily frustrated by games that require careful planning and strategic thinking.

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