Etherfields (2020) Board Game

Etherfields is a cooperative adventure board game that was released in 2020 by Awaken Realms. It was designed by Michał Oracz, known for his work on other popular board games such as This War of Mine and Neuroshima Hex. The game is set in a dream world where players explore surreal landscapes and unravel mysteries.

Game Components of Etherfields

Miniatures: Part of the game’s extensive miniature collection.

Dream Wisdom Cards: Influence core gameplay mechanics as players progress.

Memory Chest: Contains character abilities and powerful combos.

Special Items: Enhance player capabilities.

Enemies and Random Encounters Decks: Evolve and change over time.

World Map: Dynamic and influenced by player choices.

Turn Counters, Sufferings, Advantages: Mechanisms that add complexity and variability.

Masks: Integral to the game’s story and mechanics[4%.

How To Setup Etherfields

To set up Etherfields, players begin by exploring the Dreamworld, trying to uncover their forgotten past and the reason for their presence. The initial rules are straightforward but grow more complex as the campaign progresses. Players need to restore their memories from scattered pieces, which involves setting up various decks, including the Memory Chest, special items, and enemy encounters. Each location entered is a riddle that needs to be investigated and solved to escape, which sets the stage for a highly interactive and immersive game environment[4%.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Designed for 1-4 players (5 with the 5th player expansion).

Deckbuilding: Applies to almost every deck in the game, including player abilities, enemies, and random encounters.

Escape-Room Like Riddles: Players must spot clues, see hidden links between pieces of information, and use both instinct and logic.

Dynamic Rules: New rules open new possibilities and sometimes turn everything upside down.

Branching Storyline: Player choices impact the story and all decks, creating an ever-changing world.

Resource Management: Manage Etherresources, abilities, and items carefully, as they can be gained or lost based on encounters.

Objective: Uncover the surreal dreamscapes, restore memories, and escape the Dreamworld before it devours everything[4%.

Player Experience

Playing Etherfields is an immersive experience that combines tactical encounters with narrative exploration. Players are constantly in a state of discovery, navigating through a dream world that is as mystifying as it is challenging. The game requires a blend of intuition, deduction, and emotional intelligence, making it engaging and mentally stimulating. Reviews praise the game for its creative use of components, fantastic art, and the ability to draw players deep into the dream world[4%.

Pros

Immersive Storyline: A surreal and meaningful journey into a dream world.

Dynamic Gameplay: Rules and mechanics evolve as the game progresses.

High Replayability: Over 50 hours of campaign mode with branching storylines.

Creative Mechanics: Incorporates intuition, deduction, and emotional intelligence.

Engaging Puzzles: Escape-room like riddles that challenge players.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game becomes increasingly complex as the campaign advances.

Long Setup and Playtime: Games can last between 90-180 minutes.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires time to understand and master the mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Etherfields

Etherfields is perfect for players who enjoy complex, narrative-driven games with deep mechanics and high replayability. It’s ideal for those who appreciate puzzles, tactical encounters, and the thrill of exploring a surreal dream world. However, due to its complexity and long playtime, it may not be suited for casual gamers or those seeking quick, light-hearted experiences. For fans of immersive and challenging games, Etherfields offers a unique and captivating experience that keeps players engaged and curious.

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