Helios (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Helios is a board game released in 2014 that combines elements of mythology and territory building. Designed by Dennis Lohausen, the game features stunning artwork by Filosofia Éditions, Hans im Glück, and Z-Man Games. With a runtime of 60 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, Helios offers a unique gaming experience for 2-4 players.

Game Components of Helios

Action tiles: 48 tiles with 3 different symbols in 4 colors.

VP tokens: 104 tokens (32×1 VP, 28×5 VP, 32×10 VP, and 12×30 VP).

Resources: 70 resources (14 each in green, brown, gray, blue, and black).

Mana stones: 30 stones.

White houses: 35 houses.

Character tiles: 8 tiles.

Personal boards: 4 boards.

City boards: 4 boards.

Player aids: 4 aids.

Yellow Solar movement markers: 4 markers.

Yellow Sun discs: 4 discs.

Illustrated bags: 4 bags.

First player dragons: 2 dragons (one needed).

Earth tokens: 36 tokens (8 each: brown, gray, and green; 6 each: blue and black).

Bonus tokens: 8 tokens (2 each of 4 different types).

How To Setup Helios

To set up Helios, start by sorting the Action tiles according to their symbols and shuffling each pile separately. Draw the first 6 tiles from each pile and place them in columns. Each player selects an Earth token (brown, gray, or green) and places it on their Personal board along with a matching resource. Players also receive a Sun disc, a Mana stone, and a bag for VP tokens. The player who has visited the most continents becomes the start player and receives the first player dragon. Finally, sort and place the remaining Earth tokens and Bonus tokens accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Order: Played in clockwise order.

Number of Rounds: Variable, but typically 4 rounds for a 4-player game.

Phases per Round:

Phase 1: Perform 4 Actions: Players choose Action tiles to perform specific actions.

Phase 2: Characters: Players utilize character abilities.

Phase 3: Restocking and Bonus Resources: Players restock resources and gain bonus resources.

Objective: To best develop their culture by expanding cities, building temples, and gaining the favor of the sun god Ahau.

Player Experience

Helios offers a rich and dynamic experience with intersecting mechanics that keep players engaged. The game is well-constructed, with sturdy boards and pieces, fantastic artwork, and unique game mechanics. Players must strategically manage resources, use character abilities effectively, and balance their actions to achieve the best outcomes.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: Combines various mechanics in an engaging way.

High Quality Components: Sturdy boards and pieces, excellent artwork.

Strategic Depth: Offers multiple paths to victory.

Replayability: Variable setup and character abilities ensure different experiences each game.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to multiple mechanics.

Setup Time: Requires some time to set up all the components.

Limited Player Count: Best with 2-4 players; adjustments needed for other player counts.

Personal Thoughts on Helios

Helios is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with multiple layers of complexity. It is suited for those who appreciate resource management, character abilities, and a mix of short-term and long-term planning. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a great addition to any collection of strategy board games.

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