Immune (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Immune is a board game released in 2021, designed by Alice Steel and another designer. The game falls under the categories of educational, environmental, and medical, focusing on the immune system and how it functions to protect the body against pathogens. With a runtime of 45-60 minutes and suitable for players aged 14 and above, Immune offers a unique gameplay experience that combines action drafting, cooperative play, grid movement, set collection, solo gameplay, and tile placement mechanics.

Game Components of Immune

Game board representing the human body

Player tokens and character cards

Virus and pathogen tokens

Immune cell tokens (e.g., T cells, dendritic cells)

Action cards and event cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Immune

To set up Immune, players first prepare the game board, which depicts different areas of the human body. Each player chooses an immune cell token and places it on the board according to the starting positions indicated in the rulebook. The virus and pathogen tokens are placed on the board to represent the infection. Players then draw their starting hand of action cards and event cards. The setup process is designed to mimic the onset of an infection and the initial immune response.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Cooperative gameplay: Players work together to fight the virus.

Action card system: Players use action cards to move immune cells, attack pathogens, and heal the body.

Event system: Event cards introduce challenges and opportunities during the game.

Resource management: Players manage resources such as immune cells and actions.

Game Objective

The objective is to eliminate the virus and pathogens from the body before the infection becomes too severe.

Players must coordinate their actions to activate the right immune cells at the right time.

Player Experience

Playing Immune is an immersive experience that combines strategy with a deep understanding of the immune system. Players must communicate effectively and plan their actions carefully to succeed. The game provides a unique blend of education and entertainment, teaching players about the different components of the immune system and how they work together.

Pros

Educational: Teaches players about the immune system in a engaging way.

Cooperative: Encourages teamwork and communication.

Replayability: Each game introduces new challenges and scenarios.

Strategic Depth: Requires players to think strategically about resource management and action timing.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be challenging for casual gamers due to its intricate mechanics.

Learning Curve: Players need to understand the basics of the immune system to fully appreciate the game.

Length: Games can be lengthy, especially for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Immune

Immune is an excellent choice for those interested in biology, strategy, and cooperative games. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy learning while having fun, as it offers a detailed and accurate representation of the immune system. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers who prefer simpler, quicker games. Overall, Immune is a great addition to any game collection for those who value education and strategic gameplay.

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