Imaginarium (2018) Board Game

Imaginarium is a fantasy-themed board game released in 2018 by Bombyx. Designed by Bruno Cathala and Florian Sirieix, the game challenges players to build their own dream machines in a whimsical world filled with unique characters and magical contraptions.

Game Components of Imaginarium

Central board known as the bric-a-brac

Player boards

Resource tokens (charcoalium, wood, copper, crystal)

Handyman busts

Project tiles

Broken machines

Assistants with special abilities

Screens to hide victory points and resources

Resource holder

Action dial with fixed clock hands

How To Setup Imaginarium

To set up Imaginarium, players each receive a player board and start with specific resources and machines based on their board. The central board is populated with resources, broken machines, and project tiles. Each player also gets a screen to conceal their victory points and resources. The game includes setting up the action dial and the conveyor belt for the broken machines.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Repair Machine: Fix a machine to gain resources each turn.

Dismantle Machine: Dismantle a machine for resources or victory points.

Reorganise Machines: Combine machines to increase resource production.

Carry Out Transactions: Buy or sell resources.

Extraction: Immediately gain 3 charcoalium.

Recruit Assistant: Purchase an assistant with a special ability.

Action Dial Constraint: Choose actions based on the dial’s restrictions, ensuring players cannot repeat the same action combination consecutively.

Reserve and Implement Actions: Reserve a machine or spot, then implement actions in a set order.

Complete Project Cards: Earn victory points by completing projects.

Game End: The game ends when a player reaches 20 or more victory points.

Player Experience

Imaginarium offers a fast-paced experience with turns lasting around 20-30 seconds. The game is highly structured, which helps players familiarize themselves quickly. The assistants add significant depth, with abilities such as secretly choosing projects, earning extra victory points, or bypassing action dial restrictions. The artwork is a mix of steampunk-themed illustrations and photographs, which may polarize opinions.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: The game requires planning ahead due to the action dial constraints.

Powerful Assistants: Assistants provide unique and powerful abilities that can significantly impact gameplay.

Well-Designed Components: The game includes beautifully sculpted Handyman busts, well-designed player boards, and a thoughtful resource holder.

Fast-Paced Turns: Quick turns keep the game moving at a brisk pace.

Cons

Divisive Artwork: The artwork, particularly the ‘Crusher’ element, may not appeal to everyone.

Mechanical Turns: The structured turn order can make gameplay feel mechanical.

Personal Thoughts on Imaginarium

Imaginarium is ideal for fans of euro-style games and engine builders who appreciate strategic depth and worker placement mechanics. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy planning and optimizing their actions within the constraints of the game’s systems. However, those who prefer more variable or dynamic gameplay might find the structured turns and action dial constraints limiting. The game’s unique blend of steampunk theme and complex mechanics makes it a standout in its category, but it may not appeal to everyone, especially those with strong opinions about game artwork.

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