Horizons of Spirit Island (2022) Board Game

Horizons of Spirit Island is an expansion for the popular cooperative board game Spirit Island, designed by R. Eric Reuss. Released in 2022 by Greater Than Games, LLC, this expansion adds new content and mechanics to the base game, offering players even more strategic choices and challenges. The game is set in a world where players take on the role of powerful spirits defending their island from colonizers, using unique powers to drive them away.

Game Components of Horizons of Spirit Island

Game Board: A double-sided board, one side for 1-2 players and the other for 3 players, with integrated fear and blight tracks.

Spirits: Five low-complexity spirits with unique elemental powers, such as Devouring Teeth Lurk Underfoot and Rising Heat of Stone and Sand.

Tokens: Cardboard tokens for Dahan, Settlers, Blight, Energy, and Fear, differing in color from the original game.

Power Cards: Compatible with the original game, but with fewer cards due to fewer spirits.

Quick Start Guide: Included to help new players get started quickly, though it only covers the 3-player game.

How To Setup Horizons of Spirit Island

Setting up **Horizons of Spirit Island** involves placing the double-sided board according to the number of players, distributing the spirits and their power cards, and preparing the invader deck and tokens. For solo play, use the 2-player side of the board and cordon off one side with Fear markers. Ensure the Blight and Fear tokens are scaled accordingly for the number of players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together as spirits to defend the island against colonizing invaders.

Turn Structure: Simultaneous turns split into phases, with fast powers triggering before the invaders’ actions and slow powers after.

Card Play: Cards cost energy to play and can grant elements to trigger innate spirit powers.

Invader Actions: Invaders expand, colonize, and spread Blight each turn, following a predictable order based on the invader cards drawn.

Game Objective: Drive the invaders off the island by filling their settlements with fear and destroying their towns and cities before the island is irreparably blighted.

Player Experience

**Horizons of Spirit Island** offers a dynamic and tense gameplay experience, with spirits growing in power as the game progresses while the invaders become more relentless. The game encourages teamwork and strategic planning, making each game exciting and challenging. The simplified spirits and clear game components help onboard new players, but the game still retains its depth and complexity, making it prone to analysis paralysis, especially in solo play.

Pros

Accessible: Designed to be more approachable and cheaper than the original, making it a great entry point.

Compatible: Components are compatible with the original **Spirit Island**, allowing for integration with existing collections.

Teamwork: Encourages strong cooperative play without the need for turn order, fostering collaboration.

Dynamic Gameplay: The game ramps up in tension as both the spirits and invaders grow in power, creating a thrilling experience.

Cons

Simplified Components: Uses thinner cardboard and fewer components compared to the original, which may be a drawback for some players.

Limited Spirits: Only includes five spirits, which is fewer than the original game.

Analysis Paralysis: The game’s complexity can lead to extended decision-making times, especially in solo play.

Personal Thoughts on Horizons of Spirit Island

**Horizons of Spirit Island** is ideal for new players looking to dive into the **Spirit Island** universe without the initial cost and complexity of the original game. It serves as a perfect stepping stone, offering a softer and more approachable version of the game while retaining its core mechanics and challenges. For fans of cooperative strategy games and those who enjoy a dense, puzzle-like experience, **Horizons of Spirit Island** is a great addition to any board game collection.

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