EOS: Island of Angels (2023) Board Game

EOS: Island of Angels is a board game set to release in 2023, designed by Felix Mertikat, Maxine Metzger, and Sandra Süsser. Published by an undisclosed publisher, the game falls under the categories of exploration, fantasy, and nautical themes. With artists from King Racoon Games, players are immersed in a world of angels and islands, each with their own unique powers and abilities.

Game Components of EOS: Island of Angels

Game board representing the Island of EOS

Character and opponent cards

Angel and Demon Lord pawns

Glory markers, shield markers, and recessed nation boards

Mission cards and journey cards

Epic deed tiles

Solo mode cards

Nation-specific components (e.g., Guild of Seafarers, Kusan, Kwanan, Gloyn, and Lavaloan)

Wooden ships and other upgraded materials in the Deluxe Upgrade.

How To Setup EOS: Island of Angels

To set up the game, players start by placing the game board, which depicts the Island of EOS and surrounding seas. Each player chooses a unique, asymmetrical nation and places their ship and crew members on one of the four starting islands. Players receive their nation-specific components and starting resources. The game includes various decks of cards, such as angel cards, demon cards, and mission cards, which are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The solo mode involves using specific solo mode cards that outline tasks to be completed in a particular order.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetric Engine Building: Players build and enhance their crew and ship with unique abilities and resources.

Exploration: Players navigate the seas, discover new locations, and awaken petrified angels.

Worker Placement: Players allocate their crew members to various tasks and locations.

Combat: Fighting demons and demon lords to gain glory points and restore the angels’ power.

Objective: The primary goal is to awaken the angels, defeat demons, and bring light back to the world, all while optimizing strategies to gain the most victory points.

Player Experience

Players embark on a thrilling adventure, balancing their journey with combat against demons. Each nation has distinct abilities, making the game highly replayable. The game requires strategic planning, resource management, and adaptability as players face various challenges and unexpected events. The solo mode offers a different but equally engaging experience, with predefined tasks and challenges.

Pros

High Replayability: With multiple nations and random events, each game is unique.

Engaging Mechanics: Combines engine building, exploration, and combat effectively.

Thematic Immersion: The game’s fantasy setting and detailed components enhance the player experience.

Solo Mode: Offers a well-designed solo experience with specific challenges and objectives.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its complex mechanics and rules.

Long Setup: Setting up the game can take some time due to the numerous components.

Playing Time: Games can last between 90 to 120 minutes, which may be daunting for some players.

Personal Thoughts on EOS: Island of Angels

EOS: Island of Angels is perfect for players who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong thematic element. It is ideal for those who appreciate asymmetric gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning the rules and mastering their chosen nation’s abilities. The game’s balance between exploration, combat, and engine building makes it a great fit for fans of games like “Gloomhaven” or “Scythe,” offering a unique and engaging experience with high replay value. However, it may not be suitable for casual players or those who prefer shorter, more straightforward games.

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