Inferno (2005) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Inferno is a card game designed by Reiner Knizia and published by Fractal Juegos in in 2005. The game is designed for 3-7 players and has a runtime of about 20 minutes. Players take on the role of demons trying to collect souls and avoid being banished to the Inferno.

Game Components of Inferno

Central Board: Dual layout featuring the nine circles of Hell and a representation of Florence in the early 14th century.

Soul Tokens: Representing sinners to be guided through Hell.

Guardian Figures: Medusa and Minus, among others, which guard Hell.

Resource Tokens: Used in the market and various actions.

Fraud Cards: Influence gameplay with various effects.

Player Family Members: Used to accuse sinners in Florence.

Dante Token: Tracks progress through the game.

How To Setup Inferno

Setting up Inferno involves several steps:

Place the central board in the middle of the table.

Set up the shortcuts on Dante’s path.

Place resource tokens in the market.

Choose and place Guardian figures in Hell.

Fill the cemetery with souls indicated on the cards.

Draw and place fraud cards in the market.

Each player receives resources and sets up their player area.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases:

Inferno Phase: Advance souls through Hell, earning Infamy Points when they reach their corresponding circle.

Florence Phase: Choose between playing an action in Florence (adopting a street urchin, building a family tower, etc.) or exposing a sinner, leading their soul to Hell.

Mechanics:
– Soul management
– Resource management
– Area control (in Florence)
– Variable player powers (via Guardian figures and fraud cards)

Objective: Guide souls to their respective circles in Hell to earn Infamy Points. The player with the most Infamy Points when Dante reaches the gate to Purgatory wins.

Player Experience

Inferno offers a unique blend of strategic planning and tactical execution. Players must balance their efforts between guiding souls through the challenging circles of Hell and maneuvering in the political landscape of Florence. The game’s dual board design and varied mechanics ensure a dynamic experience, requiring players to adapt and make strategic decisions to maximize their Infamy Points.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines soul management with area control and resource management.

Thematic Depth: Richly themed around Dante’s Divine Comedy.

Visual Appeal: The dual board and component design are visually striking.

Replayability: Variable player powers and fraud cards add replay value.

Cons

Complex Setup: Requires careful setup and understanding of the rules.

Steep Learning Curve: Multiple mechanics and phases can be overwhelming for new players.

Limited Player Count: Designed for a specific number of players, which may limit flexibility.

Personal Thoughts on Inferno

Inferno is ideal for fans of strategic and thematic board games. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy complex gameplay mechanics and are familiar with the Divine Comedy. The game’s depth and replayability make it a great addition to any serious board game collection, but it may not be the best choice for casual or new gamers due to its complexity and setup time.

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