Icaion (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Icaion is a fantasy board game released in 2020 by designer Travis Anderson and artist Tabula Games. It falls under the category of territory building and features mechanics such as deck, bag, and pool building, pattern building, set collection, and variable player powers. The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, with a best player count of 3, and has a runtime of 90 to 120 minutes. Players must strategically build their territories to gain the most points and emerge victorious in this immersive fantasy world.

Game Components of Icaion

Miniatures: Over 70 highly detailed miniatures, including Seekers, vehicles, and the Colossus.

Map: A strategic map of the frozen regions of Icaion.

Machinery: Harvesters, Scavengers, and Refiners for resource extraction.

Event Deck: A system similar to Mysthea, adding complexity and variability.

Art and Illustrations: Original illustrations by acclaimed artist Travis Anderson.

Colossus: A unique oversized miniature of the Colossus.

Bonus Game: Components can be combined with Mysthea to create the standalone co-op game “Mysthea: The Fall”.

How To Setup Icaion

Setting up Icaion involves preparing the map of the barren lands, deploying the machinery and miniatures, and shuffling the event deck. Players each choose a Seeker and assemble their convoy, ready to venture out from the City into the harsh environment. The Colossus miniature is placed on the map, marking the areas it roams and the illness it spreads.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Players manage resources to extract Qoam, a precious crystal.

Territory Building: Deploying machinery and Seekers to control areas and exploit resources.

Indirect Conflict: Players compete for resources and lands, with sabotage and subterfuge expected.

Event System: Utilizing an event deck to introduce challenges and opportunities.

Objective: Gather reputation points by extracting resources, activating special Apparatus, and dealing with the Colossus.

Player Experience

In Icaion, players take on the roles of Seekers, expert adventurers hired by the Organization to explore the harsh lands of Icaion. The game is a strategic challenge, requiring players to balance resource extraction, machinery deployment, and dealing with the looming threat of the Colossus. The game’s intricate mechanics and beautiful artwork create a immersive experience, especially for those who enjoy complex decision-making and indirect player interaction.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Complex game mechanics offer a rich strategic experience.

Beautiful Artwork: Original illustrations and highly detailed miniatures enhance the game’s aesthetic.

Variability: The event deck system ensures high replayability.

Integration with Mysthea: Components can be combined to create a new co-op game, “Mysthea: The Fall”.

Cons

Complexity: The game’s iconography and mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.

Setup Time: Preparing the game can take a significant amount of time.

Length: Games typically last 2-3 hours, which may not be suitable for all players.

Personal Thoughts on Icaion

Icaion is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who appreciate deep strategic games with intricate mechanics. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy resource management, territory building, and indirect conflict. The game’s unique setting and the integration with Mysthea add a layer of depth and originality, making it a standout in the eurogame category. However, due to its complexity, it may not be the best fit for casual or new players.

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