Inuit: The Snow Folk (2019) Board Game

Inuit: The Snow Folk is a card game that was released in 2019 by Board&Dice. The game is designed by Alexey Konnov, Alexey Paltsev, Anatoliy Shklyarov, and Trehgrannik, with artwork by Paulina Wach. It falls under the category of mythology-themed games and features gameplay mechanics such as open drafting, set collection, and take that.

Game Components of Inuit: The Snow Folk

Cards representing Inuit villagers, Rites, Spirit cards, and animals (whales, bears, seals)

Tableau boards for each player

Polar Nightfall cards

Role-specific cards (Elders, Shaman, Warriors, Scouts)

Season cards and legendary character cards (included in expansions)

How To Setup Inuit: The Snow Folk

To set up the game, each player starts with a basic tableau board and an initial set of villagers, each representing a different role. The Great White drafting area is populated with cards, and each player receives a starting hand. The Polar Nightfall cards are placed at the bottom of the deck, marking the game’s end when drawn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft cards from the Great White area to recruit villagers and acquire Rites and Spirit cards.

Tableau Building: Cards are added to the player’s tableau to build their village.

Role Allocation: Villagers are allocated to different roles such as Elders, Shaman, Warriors, and Scouts to perform specific actions.

Hunting: Players can allocate villagers to hunt whales, bears, or seals.

Scoring: Points are earned through villagers, hunting, and Spirit cards. The game ends when a Polar Nightfall card is drawn, and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

In **Inuit: The Snow Folk**, players command one of four Inuit villages, focusing on recruiting and allocating villagers to various roles. The game is relatively simple to learn but offers depth in strategy, particularly in managing card draws and focusing on different scoring paths. The game plays quickly, with turns moving swiftly, and requires players to adapt to the cards available and the actions of their opponents.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Clear graphics and straightforward rules make it accessible to new gamers.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last about 45 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Players must manage card draws and role allocations strategically.

Expansions Available: Adds conflict, legendary characters, and seasonal mechanics.

Cons

Luck Factor: The draw of cards introduces a significant element of luck.

Limited Strategic Appeal for Veterans: May not be satisfying for experienced strategy gamers.

Optimal Player Count: Best played with 3 players; 2 players can lead to a divide-and-conquer strategy, while 4 players introduce more complexity.

Personal Thoughts on Inuit: The Snow Folk

**Inuit: The Snow Folk** is ideal for those who enjoy lighter, family-friendly games with a touch of strategy. It is particularly suited for new gamers or those looking for a casual, easy-to-learn experience. However, experienced strategy gamers might find it lacking in depth and complexity. The game’s simplicity and quick playtime make it a great addition to game nights for those seeking a fun, yet not overly complex, experience.

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