Illusion (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Illusion is a card game designed by Wolfgang Warsch and published by Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag in in 2018. It is a game that challenges players’ perception and ability to recognize patterns. With its unique gameplay mechanics, Illusion has gained popularity among fans of card games and pattern recognition puzzles.

Game Components of Illusion

92 Color Cards: Each card features an optical illusion with percentages of four different colors (red, yellow, green, and blue) on the reverse side.

12 Arrow Cards: These cards indicate the color players will be focusing on for each round.

Deck: The game includes a deck of Color Cards and Arrow Cards.

How To Setup Illusion

To set up the game, place the deck of 92 Color Cards face-up on the table. Draw one of the 12 Arrow Cards and place it face-up next to the top Color Card from the deck. This sets the stage for the first round, where players will start placing Color Cards based on the color indicated by the Arrow Card.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turn: On your turn, you either draw the top Color Card and place it in the row where you think it belongs based on the percentage of the Arrow Card’s color, or you challenge the validity of the entire row.

Challenging: If you challenge the row, all cards are flipped over to reveal their color percentages. If the cards are not in ascending order, the challenger wins the Arrow Card. If the order is correct, the previous player scores the Arrow Card.

Game Objective: The game continues until one player collects three Arrow Cards, at which point they are declared the winner.

Player Experience

Illusion is a quick and intuitive game, perfect for filler sessions or travel. The rules explanation takes only about 30 seconds, and gameplay lasts around 10-15 minutes. It’s highly portable and can be played with 2-5 players, although the best experience is often with two players, where it becomes a battle of wits. The game’s simplicity makes it accessible to a wide range of players, from children to adults.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple and quick rules explanation.

Highly Portable: Small box and minimal table requirements.

Intuitive Gameplay: Easy to understand and play.

Good for Travel: Perfect for playing on the go or at casual gatherings.

Quick Playtime: Games last only 10-15 minutes.

Cons

Accessibility Issue: The game can be almost unplayable for those with red-green colorblindness due to the color combinations used.

Best with Two Players: While it plays fine with more players, the game is most engaging with two.

Card Quality: The cards are not of the highest quality.

Personal Thoughts on Illusion

Illusion is a great filler game that works well in various settings, from casual gatherings to travel. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick, fun, and easy-to-learn game. However, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for players with red-green colorblindness. Overall, Illusion is a clever and engaging game that provides a fun challenge for your eyes and your friends.

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