Inner Compass (2020) Board Game

Inner Compass is a board game designed by Jeremy Nguyen and released in in 2020. It is a game of self-discovery and personal growth, where players navigate through their emotions and experiences to find their inner compass. The game has received praise for its unique theme and innovative gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Inner Compass

4 Life Board Sections

1 Situation Track

1 Qualities Board

4 Player Boards

4 Player Pieces

60 Player Cubes

8 Value Tokens

6 Emotion Tokens

80 EP Tokens

1 Compass Token

69 Emotion Cards

10 Quality Tiles (Sticky Note)

6 Quality Tiles (Memo Pad)

1 Rulebook.

How To Setup Inner Compass

To set up Inner Compass, first assemble the board by shuffling and rearranging its four components into a 2×2 grid. Each player receives a player board, player pieces, and various components in their chosen color. Place 15 player cubes on the player board, covering the pictures. Set up the Qualities Board, Situation Track, and Emotion Tokens. Shuffle the Emotion Cards and deal them out to players based on their playing order. Finally, place each player’s token on the board, and the game is ready to start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Grid Movement: Players move their tokens on the board.

Set Collection: Players collect Emotion Cards to create lasting memories.

Objective: The goal is to make the right life choices, experience a full spectrum of emotions, and create meaningful memories to find your inner compass. The player with the most points, earned through constructive emotional expression and memory creation, wins the game.

Player Experience

In Inner Compass, players navigate through a board of emotions, collecting cards that represent various life experiences. They must manage and express their emotions constructively to earn points. The game encourages players to think about how they handle emotions and how these emotions impact their lives. With random goals and varied gameplay each time, Inner Compass offers a unique and engaging experience for players aged 14 and above.

Pros

Replay Value: Random goals and varied card draws ensure each game is different.

Engaging Theme: The game explores emotions and personal growth in a meaningful way.

Simple Rules: Easy to learn, but with complex strategy.

Good for Various Player Counts: Works well with 2-4 players.

Cons

Abstract Gameplay: The theme doesn’t fully integrate into the gameplay mechanics.

Emotional Depth: Some players might find the emotional exploration too superficial.

Personal Thoughts on Inner Compass

Inner Compass is ideal for players who enjoy abstract strategy games with a unique theme. It’s perfect for those interested in exploring emotions and personal growth in a competitive yet thoughtful environment. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking deeply immersive themes, it offers a solid and engaging gaming experience for a wide range of players. If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy with emotional intelligence, Inner Compass is a great choice.

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