Cyclades (2009) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cyclades is a board game released in 2009 that takes place in ancient Greece. Designed by Bruno Cathala and Ludovic Maublanc, the game is published by Matagot and features beautiful artwork by Miguel Coimbra. In Cyclades, players take on the roles of different Greek city-states competing for control over the Cyclades islands.

Game Components of Cyclades

Game Board: Comprises three large folding pieces, including two double-sided boards depicting islands and sea, and a third board for mythological creature cards and god tiles.

Player Pieces: Each player gets 8 plastic troop figures, 8 plastic fleet figures, 2 plastic offering markers, and 3 cardboard territory tokens. The pieces are different for each player.

Mythological Creatures: 5 plastic mythological creatures, 18 mythological creature cards, 16 priest cards, and 16 philosopher cards.

God Tiles: 4 mobile god tiles (Zeus, Ares, Poseidon, Athena) and Apollo, which is fixed on the board.

Resources: 100 gold pieces, 16 prosperity markers, 40 building tiles, 10 metropolis tiles, and 2 special dice.

How To Setup Cyclades

To set up Cyclades, players arrange the game boards based on the number of players. Each player starts with set board positions and assets, including 5 gold pieces, 2 ships, 2 troops, and 2 islands. The start positions are balanced but not identical. The god tiles and mythological creature cards are placed according to the game’s rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Auction Mechanic: Players bid on god tiles using gold pieces. Each god tile provides different actions and benefits.

Area Control: Players expand their territory by building and placing troops and ships.

Variable Powers: Mythological creatures provide unique powers for the turn they are used.

Game Objective

The goal is to build two metropolis cities. This can be achieved by collecting four Philosopher cards or building four different types of buildings (temple, port, university, and fortress).

Player Experience

Cyclades is a game of strategic bidding and area control, where the auction mechanic is at its heart. Players must carefully plan their bids and actions, taking into account the available mythological creatures and the turn order determined by the god tiles. The game is highly tactical, with sudden changes in fortune possible due to the availability of powerful mythological creatures. Despite its appearance as a combat-heavy game, the objective can be achieved without violence by focusing on building and resource management.

Pros

Intense Bidding Wars: The auction mechanic creates intense and strategic bidding cycles.

High Production Value: The game features excellent artwork and detailed components.

Tactical Depth: The combination of bidding, area control, and variable powers provides a rich and challenging experience.

Cons

Brutal Competition: The game can be very competitive and hostile, which may not appeal to all players.

Complex Iconography: The game’s iconography can be confusing until players are familiar with it.

Personal Thoughts on Cyclades

Cyclades is for players who enjoy strategic depth, intense competition, and a blend of area control and auction mechanics. It is not a game for those who prefer gentle or cooperative gameplay. The game’s beauty and tactical nuances make it a standout, but it requires players to be comfortable with outmaneuvering and sometimes sabotaging their opponents. If you enjoy games that challenge your strategic thinking and are willing to engage in competitive play, Cyclades is definitely worth considering.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.