Ingenious (2004) – Board Game Guys

Ingenious

“Ingenious” is the English name for “Einfach Genial” (Simply Ingenious), a German abstract strategy board game designed by Reiner Knizia and published in 2004 by Kosmos.

Why is Ingenious Popular?

“Ingenious” is a popular and significant game due to its:
– Abstract strategy: The game is a classic example of an abstract strategy board game, challenging players to use strategic thinking and planning to outsmart their opponents.
– Tile-placement mechanics: Players take turns placing colored domino-style tiles on a hexagonal grid, scoring points for each line of matching colored symbols that radiate from their tiles.
– Accessible gameplay: The game is easy to learn and understand, making it suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
– Replayability: “Ingenious” offers a variety of gameplay options, including solo, two, three, or four-player modes, as well as partnership play.

Game Components of Ingenious

Game board consisting of hexagons

Tiles (hexominoes) with different colored symbols

Scoring boards

Colored wooden cubes or pegs for scoring

Player racks for holding tiles

How To Setup Ingenious

To set up Ingenious, begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a rack and draws six randomly chosen tiles, which are kept concealed from other players. The scoring boards are placed beside the board, visible to all players. The youngest player takes the first turn, although in subsequent games, the first turn can rotate clockwise around the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Number of Players: 1-4

Game Category: Abstract Strategy

Mechanics: Tile Placement, Strategic Planning

Objective: To score points by creating lines of identically colored hexes.
– Players place tiles to score points from each symbol on the tile.
– The game ends when no more tiles can be added or a player scores 18 in all six colors.
– The winner is the player with the highest score in their weakest color.

Player Experience

Ingenious is praised for its elegant design, which scales effortlessly from two to four players without altering the gameplay or scoring. The game requires strategic thought, as players must balance scoring in multiple colors to avoid weaknesses. Each turn involves tactical decisions about which tiles to place and how to block opponents’ scoring opportunities.

Pros

Scalability: Works well with 1-4 players without changes in gameplay.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and tactical moves.

Engaging Mechanics: Players must develop all six colors, adding complexity and challenge.

Public Scoring: All scores are visible, enhancing competitive strategy.

Cons

Second Edition Issues: The new edition has some design flaws, such as scoring boards with holes and pegs that can be difficult to manage.

Two-Player Variant: The new two-player variant is not as satisfying as the standard game and can make tile-laying decisions overly focused on the tug-of-war aspect.

Personal Thoughts on Ingenious

Ingenious is a must-have for fans of abstract strategy games. It is ideal for those who enjoy deep strategic thinking and tactical gameplay. While the second edition has some minor flaws, the game itself remains a gold standard for abstract games that scale beyond two players. If you’re looking for a game that challenges you to think strategically and offers high replayability, Ingenious is an excellent choice. However, you might want to consider used copies of the older edition for better overall quality.

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