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Ex Libris (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Ex Libris is a board game designed by Adam P. McIver and published by Renegade Game Studios in in 2017. The game is centered around players taking on the roles of book collectors in a magical library, competing to become the Grand Librarian. With its unique theme and engaging gameplay mechanics, Ex Libris has garnered attention from board game enthusiasts around the world.

Game Components of Ex Libris

  • 500+ book cards** with unique titles and genres
  • 12 different librarians/libraries** each with a unique ability
  • 18 location tiles** that change each game
  • Assistants** represented by meeples, including a gelatinous cube
  • Dry-erase clipboard** for scoring
  • Shelf cards** for building stable bookshelves
  • Banned and favored book tokens**

    How To Setup Ex Libris

    To set up the game, the first player reveals one location tile per player to form the board. Each location tile is then populated with the required cards. Players choose their librarian and receive their unique ability card and starting assistants. The game is ready to begin once all players have their components and the board is set up.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Worker Placement: Players send their assistants to various locations to perform actions.
  • Set Collection: Gathering book cards to build a comprehensive library.
  • Spatial Puzzle: Shelve books in alphabetical order, ensuring shelf stability and variety.
  • Hand Management: Manage your book cards to meet the criteria set by the game.
  • Objective: The goal is to create the best library by collecting, shelving, and maintaining books according to specific criteria, including alphabetical order, shelf stability, and avoiding banned books.

    Player Experience

    Playing Ex Libris is a strategic and engaging experience. Players must balance acquiring book cards, shelving them correctly, and using special abilities to outmaneuver their opponents. The game is thinky, with each decision aimed at maximizing score points. The changing locations and unique librarian abilities add significant variability to each game, making it highly replayable.

    Pros

  • Approachable Theme: Well-executed theme with detailed components.
  • High Replayability: Different librarians and changing locations ensure varied gameplay.
  • Multiple Paths to Victory: Several scoring options allow for diverse strategies.
  • Friendly Game Variant: Option to play without screwage or stealing.
  • Variants for Beginners and Solo Play: Inclusive options for different player preferences.
  • Easy to Learn: Well-designed rulebook and thematic decisions.
  • Excellent 2-Player Game: Plays well at all player counts.

    Cons

  • Complex Spatial Rules: Building the library tableau can be complex and overwhelming for new players.
  • Longer Play Time: Often exceeds the listed 45 minutes.
  • Flat Pacing: Some players find the game’s pacing to be flat and it can outstay its welcome.
  • Table Space: Requires a lot of table space.

    Personal Thoughts on Ex Libris

    Ex Libris is ideal for those who enjoy strategic games with a unique blend of mechanics. It’s a great choice for book lovers, writers, editors, and anyone looking for a light to medium complexity game. The game is suitable for families and casual gamers who want to step up from simpler games, as well as for experienced players seeking a engaging and variable experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer fast-paced or highly competitive games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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