Illimat (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Illimat is a board game created by Keith Baker and Jennifer Ellis in in 2017. It is inspired by a card game mentioned in the book “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis. The game features a unique design and gameplay that combines elements of strategy and set collection.

Game Components of Illimat

1 fabric board

1 Illimat box used as a central game piece

65 cards (5 suits of 13 cards each)

8 Luminary cards

4 metal Okus tokens

4 scoring tokens

Cloth bag

4 Player Aid cards.

How To Setup Illimat

Setup involves placing the fabric board on the table with each player sitting along an edge. The Illimat box is centered, with an arrow pointing towards the dealer. For two or three players, remove the Stars suit; for four players, include it. Place one Okus token per player on the Illimat. Shuffle the cards and deal three cards into each of the four fields on the board, and then deal four cards to each player (except the starting player, who gets three cards). Shuffle the Luminary cards and place one face-down in each of the four corners of the board. Finally, flip three cards face-up into each quadrant of the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Sow: Place a card face-up into any field unless it is Autumn.

Stockpile: Combine cards in a field to create a stack that must be harvested together.

Harvest: Collect cards from a field, but not if it is Winter.

Game Objective

The goal is to be the first player to score 17 points by harvesting cards, Okus tokens, and Luminaries. Points are awarded for collecting Fools, Luminaries, and Okus tokens, as well as for achieving specific card combinations like Sunkissed (most Summer cards) and avoiding Frostbit (most Winter cards).

Player Experience

Illimat offers a unique blend of traditional card game mechanics and innovative elements like the dynamic season system indicated by the Illimat box. The game has a timeless feel, reminiscent of classic card games, but with modern flair. The aesthetic is designed to evoke a sense of discovery, as if the game were found in your grandparents’ attic. The gameplay is engaging, with each season imposing different restrictions on actions, adding a layer of strategy and unpredictability.

Pros

Timeless Aesthetic: The game has a classic, old-timey feel that is both charming and unique.

Dynamic Gameplay: The changing seasons and various card interactions keep the game interesting and dynamic.

Accessible yet Complex: Easy to learn but with enough depth to keep experienced players engaged.

Thematic Immersion: The game’s design and components work together to create a sense of belonging to a secret society.

Cons

Learning Curve: While the basic rules are simple, the unique mechanics and interactions can take time to fully grasp.

Player Count: The game is more dynamic with more than two players, which might make it less engaging for solo or two-player sessions.

Personal Thoughts on Illimat

Illimat is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of traditional card games and innovative mechanics. It is ideal for players who appreciate a game that looks and feels like it could have been discovered in an old attic but still offers modern strategic depth. The game is suitable for players aged 12 and up, and its unique aesthetic and gameplay make it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a quick, simple game or for solo players due to its increased complexity and dynamic nature with multiple players.

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