Djinn (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Djinn is a card game released in 2018 by Fiore GmbH and designed by Sabine Kondirolli. The game is set in an Arabian fantasy world and combines elements of set collection and trick-taking mechanics. Players take on the roles of powerful djinns, seeking to collect the most valuable treasures to win the game.

Game Components of Djinn

Player Boards: Each player has their own board to track magic, capacity, and base magic levels.

Action Tiles: 12 action tiles, including 6 square basic actions and 6 circular special actions.

Mage Cards: Four decks of mage cards for capturing Djinn.

Equipment Cards: Provide permanent or once-a-round abilities.

Djinn Bottles and Corks: Made from dragon glass and the bark of a tree near the Magic Source.

Secret Passages: Four secret passages per player.

Character Tiles: Positive and negative character tiles for unique advantages and disadvantages.

Boss Djinn and Regular Djinn: Boss Djinn have higher strength and special rules.

Scoring Cards: Randomly drawn cards that provide end-game scoring conditions.

Market and Location Tiles: Represent various locations around the city where players can take actions.

How To Setup Djinn

To set up **Djinn**, place the board on the table and randomize the 12 action tiles into the central section. Set up the market based on the player count and place the equipment cards near their store. The Tavern holds the keys and the four decks of mage cards. Each player takes their own player board and bits, and each player gets a random roof tile to determine the first player. Each player places their four secret passages onto the board and snakes drafts one positive and one negative character tile. Finally, set up the Boss Djinn and regular Djinn on the board according to the game rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement and Actions: Players move their mages across the board to different locations, taking actions such as collecting magical power, buying equipment, and capturing Djinn.

Capturing Djinn: Use magic power or mage cards to capture Djinn, either placing them in active spell circles or in bottles with matching colors and corks.

Resource Management: Manage magic levels, capacity, and base magic to optimize actions.

Equipment and Mage Cards: Utilize equipment cards for abilities and mage cards for capturing Djinn.

Scoring: Points are awarded for captured Djinn, trophies, unused corks and bottles, and scoring cards.

Game End: The game ends when all six Boss Djinn have been captured or fled the board.

Player Experience

**Djinn** offers a blend of long-term strategy and tactical flexibility, requiring players to weave together their actions to protect the Magic Source. The game involves navigating a variety of locations, each with unique benefits and challenges. Players must plan carefully to gather the necessary resources to capture the Djinn effectively. The game has a modular setup, ensuring that each playthrough presents a new puzzle to decipher and explore.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Combines long-term strategy with tactical flexibility.

Variable Setup: Ensures each game is different.

Resource Management: Engaging magic and resource management mechanics.

Thematic Immersion: Rich fantasy theme with detailed components.

Player Interaction: Competitive gameplay with opportunities for strategic planning.

Cons

Complexity: Initial setup and rules can be overwhelming for new players.

Length: Games can last between 60 to 90 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

Luck Element: Random draw of scoring cards and character tiles can introduce variability in player outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Djinn

**Djinn** is ideal for fans of eurogames who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. The game’s thematic elements and varied gameplay make it a great choice for those who like a mix of complexity and engagement. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick game, due to its length and initial learning curve. Overall, **Djinn** is a rewarding experience for players who enjoy delving into intricate game mechanics and strategic challenges.

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