Elysium (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

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 (e.g., Athena, Hades, Poseidon, Zeus, Ares).

Four Quest placards and related tokens.

Player boards with Domain and Legend areas.

Columns (pillars) in four colors.

Coins and victory points.

Starting tokens and Citizen tokens.

Card artwork by different artists for each god family.

How To Setup Elysium

To set up Elysium, players begin by selecting five of the eight godly sets of cards, which are then shuffled and placed in the Agora, the central card display area. Each player receives a player board, four columns (pillars) in different colors, four coins, a starting token, and some initial victory points. The Quest tiles are positioned at the top of the table, determining the turn order and income for the first round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Card Drafting: Players claim cards from the Agora, using colored pillars to acquire them.

Worker Placement: Players use cards in their Domain to resolve powers and complete quests.

Deck Building: Players transfer cards from their Domain to the Legend area to earn victory points.

Set Collection: Building sets of cards in the Legend area to score points (e.g., sets of the same level but different families, or sets of the same family but different levels).

Game Objective

The objective is to collect and strategically transfer cards to the Legend area to build sets that earn the most victory points. Players must balance using card powers in the Domain against transferring them to the Legend area, where they lose their powers but contribute to scoring.

Player Experience

Playing Elysium involves a series of tough decisions and strategic planning. Each round, players acquire new cards, resolve card powers, complete quests, and transfer cards to the Legend area. The game’s artwork is a significant highlight, with each god family drawn by a different artist, making the game visually appealing. However, the game’s complexity and the need to constantly learn new card effects can make it daunting, especially for beginners.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a challenging puzzle with many strategic layers.

Beautiful Artwork: Each god family has unique artwork by different artists, enhancing the game’s aesthetic.

Replayability: The random selection of five godly sets each game ensures high replayability.

Integrated Mechanics: Combines card drafting, worker placement, and deck building elements effectively.

Cons

Complexity: Steep learning curve due to the numerous card effects and rules.

Lengthy Setup and Rules Explanation: Initial setup and rules explanation can be time-consuming.

Mechanic Disconnection: Some mechanics, such as the separate phases for card acquisition and transfer, can feel disconnected.

Lack of Immediate Satisfaction: Players often sacrifice immediate benefits for end-game scoring, which can feel unrewarding during the game.

Personal Thoughts on Elysium

Elysium is a game tailored for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategic depth and complex decision-making. While it may not be the best fit for beginners due to its complexity, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to dive in. The game’s unique mechanics and beautiful artwork make it a standout in the card drafting and set collection genres. However, its lack of immediate satisfaction and the need for constant learning of new card effects might make it less appealing to players seeking a more casual experience.

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