Elysium (2015) Board Game
Elysium is a board game that was released in 2015 by Space Cowboys. The game is set in ancient Greek mythology, where players take on the roles of gods competing to become the most legendary of all. Designed by Matthew Dunstan and Brett J. Gilbert, Elysium has received praise for its unique gameplay mechanics and beautiful artwork by John McCambridge.
## Game Components of Elysium
– 168 cards divided into eight families, each representing a Greek god or goddess (Athena, Hades, Poseidon, Zeus, Ares, etc.)
– Each card has a level (1, 2, or 3) and special powers
– Quest tiles that determine the number of card transfers and other benefits
– Player boards with Domain and Legend areas
– Colored wooden columns and stickers for color blindness assistance
– Tokens and player aids, including gold, victory points, and citizen cards
## How To Setup Elysium
To set up Elysium, players start by selecting five of the eight available decks of god cards. There is a recommended starting set for the first play, or players can randomly choose five decks. Each player receives a player board, four gold coins, a turn order marker, and four colored columns. The cards are shuffled, and a new set is drawn based on the number of players. The Agora, where players draft cards, is set up with the drawn cards.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Card Drafting**: Players draft cards from the Agora, using their colored columns to match the card requirements.
– **Set Collection**: Players collect sets of cards to create legends, either by family or by level.
– **Worker Placement**: Players use their columns to draft cards and manage their Domain.
– **Deck Building**: Players build their card collections and transfer cards to the Elysium to earn victory points.
– **Game Objective**: The goal is to earn the most victory points by assembling legends and transferring cards to the Elysium.
## Gameplay Phases
– **Phase 1: Awakening**: Setup phase where old cards are removed, and new ones are drawn.
– **Phase 2: Actions**: Players draft cards or take Quest tiles in turn order.
– **Phase 3: Writing the Legends**: Players reorder their turn order, earn rewards, and transfer cards from the Domain to the Elysium.
– **Phase 4: End of Epoch**: Cleanup phase where players reset their columns and advance the Epoch marker.
## Player Experience
Elysium offers a rich and strategic gameplay experience, requiring players to balance the use of card powers with the need to transfer cards to the Elysium to earn victory points. The game is known for its beautiful artwork, with each card illustrated by different artists, adding a unique aesthetic to each family of cards. Players must make tough decisions about when to use their cards for powers and when to transfer them, creating a game of constant dilemmas and complex strategies.
### Pros
– **Engaging Gameplay**: Combines card drafting, set collection, and worker placement mechanics effectively.
– **Beautiful Artwork**: Each card is uniquely illustrated, enhancing the game’s theme and aesthetic.
– **Strategic Depth**: Requires careful planning and decision-making to maximize victory points.
– **Replayability**: Different card combinations each game ensure varied gameplay experiences.
### Cons
– **Complexity**: Not suitable for beginners due to the multiple mechanics and strategies involved.
– **Turn Order**: Some players may find the turn order and action resolution phases slightly confusing or inefficient.
## Personal Thoughts on Elysium
Elysium is a game that appeals to fans of deck builders and set collection games, offering a unique twist on traditional mechanics. It is best suited for players who enjoy strategic games with deep decision-making and are willing to invest time in understanding the game’s intricacies. With its stunning artwork and complex gameplay, Elysium is a standout title that deserves a spot on any serious board gamer’s shelf.
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