Impact: Battle of Elements (2018) Board Game

Impact: Battle of Elements is a dice-based board game released in 2018 by Ravensburger. Designed by Dieter Nüßle, this game pits 2-5 players against each other in a battle of elements. The game combines strategy and luck as players roll dice to defeat their opponents and emerge victorious.

Game Components of Impact: Battle of Elements

Dice: Each player starts with a set of six-sided dice, where five sides show unique elements (Air, Water, Fire, Earth, and Electricity) and the sixth side is blank.

Cauldron/Arena: A smaller, steep-walled arena compared to its predecessor, which can affect gameplay dynamics.

Rulebook: Includes base game rules and variant rules for added complexity.

How To Setup Impact: Battle of Elements

To set up the game, each player receives a specific number of dice based on the number of players: 8 dice for 2 players, 7 dice for 3 players, 6 dice for 4 players, and 5 dice for 5 players. The starting player throws one die into the cauldron to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Base Game:
– Players take turns throwing one die into the cauldron.
– Any die showing the blank side is immediately removed from the game.
– If any dice in the cauldron match, the player collects all matching dice and ends their turn.
– If no matches are found, the player can choose to throw another die or pass their turn.
– The last player with dice remaining wins.

Power of the Elements:
– Each element activates a special ability when matched: Lightning triggers all players to throw a die, Water prevents removal of matching dice, Fire forces all players to stack their dice quickly, Earth stacks matching dice as a single unit, and Air causes players to pass their dice to the player on their left.

Avatar Mode:
– All elements are in play simultaneously, adding complexity and chaos to the game.

Player Experience

**Impact: Battle of Elements** offers a fast-paced, addictive experience with quick rounds that keep players engaged even when it’s not their turn. The game is filled with moments of excitement, such as when all dice in the cauldron match, allowing a player to collect all the dice and force other players to throw their entire pile into the arena. The variant symbols add an extra layer of strategy and luck, making the game more dynamic.

Pros

Addictive Gameplay: The game is incredibly engaging and encourages multiple rounds.

Perfect Filler Game: It is ideal for short breaks or as a warm-up game.

Dynamic Variants: The special abilities of each element add variety and excitement.

Travel-Friendly: The smaller arena makes it more portable.

Cons

Smaller Arena: The steep walls and smaller size can make it harder to see the dice and reduce the fun of dice flying out.

Luck-Heavy: The game already relies heavily on luck, and the variants can add more unpredictability.

Not an Improvement Over Strike: For fans of the original **Strike**, the changes might not be seen as improvements.

Personal Thoughts on Impact: Battle of Elements

**Impact: Battle of Elements** is suitable for players looking for a quick, fun, and chaotic dice-rolling game. It is ideal for groups of 4-5 players and serves well as a filler game. While it may not offer the same experience as its predecessor **Strike**, it is a good alternative for those unable to find the original or preferring a more portable version. This game is perfect for those who enjoy simple, yet engaging gameplay with a dash of luck and strategy.

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