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Deus Ex Machina (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Deus Ex Machina is a board game released in 2016, designed by Mike Katoglou and Giota Vorgia. The game is set in the ancient world of Greek mythology, where players take on the roles of gods competing for followers and power.

Game Components of Deus Ex Machina

  • Game Board:** Representing the ancient Greek world.
  • Player Boards:** For each of the 2-4 players taking on the roles of Olympian gods.
  • Hero Cards:** Featuring heroes from Greek mythology.
  • Quest Cards:** With various requirements and point values.
  • God Cards:** Allowing players to manipulate heroes and quests.
  • Comrade Cards:** Providing additional Might and Cunning for heroes.
  • Glory Points Tokens:** For tracking players’ scores.
  • Mini Expansion:** Included in the box, adding new content to the game.

    How To Setup Deus Ex Machina

    To set up the game, each player selects a god and their corresponding player board. The quest cards are shuffled and placed face up on designated spaces on the main board. Each player receives a set of hero cards and a starting hand of god and comrade cards. The glory points tokens are placed within reach of all players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Innovative Hero Placement:** Players place heroes to complete quests.
  • Manipulation Mechanism:** Gods can influence heroes and quests through god cards.
  • Quest Completion:** Players satisfy quest requirements using hero and comrade cards, sometimes with the support of gods.
  • Glory Points Accumulation:** The goal is to accumulate the most glory points by completing quests.
  • Secret Objectives:** Each player has a secret objective that must be fulfilled to win the game.

    Player Experience

    Playing Deus Ex Machina involves strategic planning and tactical execution. Players must balance the use of their god powers, which can both aid and hinder their progress, with the management of their heroes’ strengths and weaknesses. The game’s dynamic nature, with heroes alternating between strong and weak sides, adds a layer of complexity and challenge.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** Offers a rich strategic experience with multiple layers of decision-making.
  • Thematic Immersion:** Strongly themed around Greek mythology, enhancing the gameplay experience.
  • Replayability:** Variable setup and secret objectives ensure high replayability.
  • Innovative Mechanics:** The hero placement and god manipulation mechanics are unique and engaging.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** May be overwhelming for casual players due to the multiple layers of strategy.
  • Length:** Games can be lengthy, requiring a significant time commitment.
  • Luck Element:** The draw of quest and god cards introduces an element of luck that can affect gameplay.

    Personal Thoughts on Deus Ex Machina

    Deus Ex Machina is ideal for fans of strategic board games and those who enjoy deep, thematic experiences. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the intricacies of area control and resource management. While it may not be the best fit for casual or family game nights due to its complexity, it is a gem for hobbyist gamers looking to immerse themselves in a game rich with strategy and mythological lore.

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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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