Elementals (2005) Board Game

Elementals is a card game released in 2005, designed by Alexander Jung and illustrated by Adlung-Spiele. It falls under the category of card game and fantasy, with a runtime of around 10 minutes. The game is suitable for 2 to 6 players, aged 8 and above, and features the mechanism of simultaneous action selection.

Game Components of Elementals

Board: A 10×10 grid

Tokens: Numerous counters representing different elements such as Mountains, Fireballs, Tidal Waves, and Winds of Change. These tokens need to be cut out from a sheet, which can be cumbersome.

Optional: Players can use alternative tokens like glass stones for better durability and ease of play.

How To Setup Elementals

To set up Elementals, begin by preparing the 10×10 board. Each player starts by placing their tokens on the board, aiming to create strategic formations. There is no specific starting configuration; players start placing tokens as they see fit, initiating the game dynamics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Token Placement: Players take turns placing one token on the board per turn.

Element Interactions: Different tokens have unique effects:

Mountains: Immune to all other effects, formed by creating 2×2 squares of the same color.

Fireballs: Can destroy other tokens in a specific pattern.

Tidal Waves: Move across the board, annihilating all tokens in their path.

Winds of Change: Can swap out tokens.

Game Objective: The player with the most tokens on the board when it is filled wins.

Player Experience

Playing Elementals can be a deeply strategic and dynamic experience. The game starts simply but quickly becomes complex as players interact with each other’s tokens. Building Mountains to protect your territory, launching Fireballs to destroy opponents, and navigating Tidal Waves and Winds of Change keep the game engaging and challenging.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Combines simple rules with deep strategic possibilities.

Dynamic Interactions: Constantly changing board state keeps players on their toes.

Affordable: Originally priced at $9.95, making it a budget-friendly option.

Cons

Packaging Issues: The need to cut out numerous tokens and the flimsy gameboard can be inconvenient.

Component Quality: The cardboard pieces can be difficult to manage and keep on the board.

Personal Thoughts on Elementals

Elementals is a game for those who enjoy abstract strategy and are looking for a game that offers a mix of simplicity in rules but complexity in gameplay. It is ideal for players who appreciate the strategic depth of games like Go and Chess but also enjoy the dynamic reversals of fortune seen in Othello. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking high-quality game components or a hassle-free setup process. Despite its drawbacks, Elementals remains a highly regarded game among strategy enthusiasts for its unique blend of strategic elements and exhilarating gameplay.

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