Inis (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Inis is a board game designed by Christian Martinez and published by Matagot in in 2016. It is set in medieval Ireland and combines elements of mythology, exploration, and wargaming. The game has received critical acclaim for its unique gameplay mechanics and beautiful artwork by Dimitri Bielak and Jim FitzPatrick.

Game Components of Inis

Modular Board: Comprises large, thick, and heavy tiles that represent different locations, laid out differently each game.

Clan Figures: Plastic figures that players use to mark their presence on the board.

Cards: Players hold a hand of four cards with various abilities, including Epic Tale cards that act as superpowered actions.

Tokens and Markers: Used for tracking victory conditions, sanctuaries, and other game elements.

Artwork: Beautifully designed by Jim FitzPatrick, known for his work on the famous Che Guevara poster.

How To Setup Inis

Setting up Inis involves constructing the modular board by fitting the tiles together like a jigsaw puzzle. Each tile has a unique name and artwork, making verbal descriptions easy. Players place their clan figures on the board according to the initial setup rules. Each player receives a starting hand of cards, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft and play cards to manipulate the board state.

Territory Control: Players place and move their clan figures to control territories.

Combat: Deterministic combat resolved through card play, where players choose between losing units or action cards.

Victory Conditions:

Leadership: Be the leader of territories containing at least six opponents’ clans.

Land: Have clans present in at least six different territories.

Religion: Have clans present in territories with at least six sanctuaries.
– To win, a player must meet one or more of these conditions and take a pretender token, allowing them to win at the start of the next round unless tied with another player.

Player Experience

Inis provides a deeply strategic and competitive experience. Players must carefully manage their card hands and board presence to achieve victory. The game is known for its intricate card interactions and the need for players to stay aware of their opponents’ moves. Combat and territory control are key elements, but the game also involves bluffing and strategic planning. Each session can be unique due to the modular board and variable card draws.

Pros

Beautiful Artwork: The game features stunning artwork inspired by Celtic lore.

Deep Strategy: Simple rules but complex and engaging gameplay.

High Replayability: Different board layouts and card draws ensure varied experiences.

Competitive: Encourages direct interaction and strategic planning against opponents.

Thematic Integration: The game’s mechanics and theme are well-integrated, enhancing the overall experience.

Cons

Complexity for Beginners: While the rules are simple, the game requires strategic thinking and tracking multiple elements, which can be challenging for new players.

Potential for Endless Turns: Experienced players can respond to each other indefinitely, prolonging the game.

Inaccessibility for Some Players: The game is not suitable for players with total blindness due to the necessity of interpreting card synergies and board state visually.

Personal Thoughts on Inis

Inis is a game designed for those who appreciate deep strategy and competitive gameplay. It is ideal for players who enjoy games like Kemet and Settlers of Catan but are looking for something without resource management. The game’s beauty and thematic depth make it a standout, but it may not be the best fit for cooperative game enthusiasts or those who prefer dice-rolling mechanics. For experienced gamers, Inis offers a challenging and rewarding experience that encourages strategic thinking and social interaction.

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