Fenix (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Fenix is a two-player abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2019. It is designed by Fiore GmbH, Sabine Kondirolli, and Andreas Resch. The game features a square grid and grid movement mechanics, making it a challenging and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Fenix

9×9 and 8×7 game boards

Pieces including Soldiers, Generals, and a King for each player

Rulebook

How To Setup Fenix

To set up Fenix, players arrange their pieces on the board. For the larger 9×9 board, each player starts with a specific arrangement of Soldiers, Generals, and a King. The smaller 8×7 board is set up similarly but with fewer pieces. The objective is to position pieces for both defense and potential quick attacks, particularly by occupying strong positions like the corners and edges of the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Compulsory Captures: Similar to Checkers, capturing is mandatory when possible.

Piece Movement: Pieces move according to specific rules; the King is the only piece that can move diagonally.

General Creation: When a General is captured, the player can create a new General on their next turn if desired.

Objective: The ultimate goal is to capture the opponent’s King in such a way that the opponent cannot create a new King in their next turn.

Player Experience

Playing Fenix involves strategic planning and tactical execution. In the opening phase, players focus on arranging their armies for maximum defense while keeping options open for quick attacks. As the game progresses, spreading the opponent’s pieces across the board becomes crucial to utilize Generals effectively and prepare the King for decisive captures. The game is known for its tactical depth and the need for adapting strategies as the game unfolds.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Combines the tactical depth of Chess with the capture mechanics of Checkers.

Variety in Play: Offers different strategies on both the 9×9 and 8×7 boards.

Quick Games: Typical playtime is around 30 minutes.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of various skill levels.

Cons

Complexity for Beginners: The full version can be too complex for new players, though the 8×7 board version helps ease the learning curve.

Limited Manoeuvring Space: On the 8×7 board, hostilities start almost immediately due to the closer starting positions.

Personal Thoughts on Fenix

Fenix is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games who enjoy the elements of both Chess and Checkers. It offers a fresh and engaging experience with its unique rules and strategic depth, making it a great addition to any board game collection. While it may be more challenging for beginners on the larger board, the smaller board version provides a gentler learning curve. Overall, Fenix is a game that encourages strategic thinking and adaptability, making it a fun and rewarding experience for players of all ages.

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