Divinity Derby (2017) Board Game

Divinity Derby is a board game released in 2017, designed by Carlo A. Rossi and published by Ares Games. The game combines elements of mythology and racing, where players take on the roles of gods betting on mythological creatures racing to reach Mount Olympus.

Game Components of Divinity Derby

Gameboard: Colorful and themed around Mount Olympus.

Miniatures: Six gorgeous miniatures of mythological flying creatures (Dragon, Gryphon, Lamassu, Pegasus, Phoenix, and Sylph) sculpted by Bob Naismith.

Cards: Over 100 cards, including 66 bet cards, 54 movement cards, and 4 protection cards, illustrated by Denis Martynets.

Tokens: 24 creature tokens, 6 God tokens, and 1 first player token.

Card Holders: Six card holders for shared card mechanics.

How To Setup Divinity Derby

To set up Divinity Derby, each player chooses a god (Anansi, Horus, Marduk, Odin, Quetzalcoatl, or Yù Huáng the Jade Emperor) and receives two hands of cards. Players share a cardholder with each neighbor, which is a key part of the game’s “shared hand” mechanic. The gameboard is placed in the middle, and the miniatures are positioned at the starting line. Each player receives their respective God token and a set of bet cards. The movement and protection cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Shared Hand Mechanic: Players share a cardholder with each neighbor, allowing for strategic card play and interaction.

Betting: Players bet on the outcome of the race using bet cards.

Movement and Influence: Players use movement cards to influence the race and protection cards to protect their bets.

Objective: The goal is to win the most points by correctly betting on the winners of the race and strategically using cards to influence the outcome.

Player Experience

Divinity Derby offers a fun and fast-paced experience, combining social interaction with strategic betting. Players need to balance their bets with the cards they have, while also considering the moves of their neighbors. The game’s mythological theme and colorful components add to its appeal, making it an engaging party game for 3 to 6 players.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The mythological setting and colorful components make the game visually appealing and engaging.

Social Interaction: The shared hand mechanic encourages interaction and negotiation among players.

Strategy and Luck: The game balances strategy with luck, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Quick Gameplay: Games are relatively short, making it a great addition to game nights.

Cons

Complexity for New Players: The shared hand mechanic and multiple card types can be confusing for new players.

Luck Factor: The game’s outcome can be significantly influenced by luck, which may not appeal to players seeking pure strategy.

Setup Time: Setting up the game, especially the card holders and shared hands, can take a bit of time.

Personal Thoughts on Divinity Derby

Divinity Derby is ideal for those who enjoy light-hearted, social games with a mix of strategy and luck. It’s perfect for game nights or family gatherings, offering an engaging and interactive experience. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking deeply complex or purely strategic games. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate unique mechanics and a fun, mythical theme.

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