Kleos (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kleos is a board game released in 2021, designed by Enggar Ajar Adirasa. It is a game that combines elements of dice rolling, hand management, and hexagon grid mechanics, set in a world of mythology. The game is designed for 1 to 5 players, with the ideal player count being 4 to 5, and has a runtime of 60 to 120 minutes. The game is recommended for players aged 14 and above.

Game Components of Kleos

Player Boards: Each player has a unique board reflecting their chosen Greek God (Ares, Hermes, Dionysus, Athena, or Artemis).

Minion Cards: Champions, Epic Minions, and lesser creatures with stats for Attack, Defense, Cunning, and Tactics.

Dice: Six-sided dice with half the sides blank and the other half showing 2 successes and one “Godly” symbol.

Hex-Based Map: A confrontational map where Minions engage in combat and control key areas.

Zeus’ Favor Deck: A catch-up mechanism for players losing by 5+ Glory.

Area Control Tokens: For scoring points by controlling specific hexes.

How To Setup Kleos

To set up Kleos, each player selects a Greek God and their corresponding player board, Minion deck, and starting Minions. The hex-based map is placed in the center, and each player positions their starting Minions according to the rules. Players also draw initial cards from their decks and determine the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hex-Based Combat: Minions engage in combat by rolling dice based on their stats.

Card Play: Strategic use of Minion cards and divine powers.

Area Control: Controlling key hexes on the map to score points.

Dice Rolling: Combining dice rolls with card abilities to succeed in combat and other challenges.

Catch-Up Mechanism: Zeus’ Favor Deck helps players who are significantly behind.

Objective: Earn the most Glory over five rounds by controlling areas, recruiting Minions, and winning combat.

Player Experience

In Kleos, players experience a dynamic mix of strategic card play, engine building, and dice-based combat. The game is highly interactive, with players constantly vying for control of key areas on the map and engaging in tactical battles. The variable player powers and asymmetrical decks add depth and replayability. However, luck plays a significant role due to the dice rolling mechanics, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Combines card play, area control, and dice combat for a rich gaming experience.

Asymmetrical Play: Unique powers for each Greek God add variety and replayability.

Catch-Up Mechanism: Keeps games close with the Zeus’ Favor Deck.

Beautiful Production: High-quality components and artwork.

Solo Play Option: Available for players who prefer solo gaming.

Cons

Luck Factor: Dice rolling can lead to significant luck-based outcomes.

Complexity: Multiple mechanics and rules can make the game overwhelming for new players.

Player Count Issues: Game balance can vary significantly with different player counts.

Long Game Sessions: Games can last between 60 to 120 minutes.

Personal Thoughts on Kleos

Kleos is ideal for players who enjoy strategic combat, area control, and card play with a dash of luck. It’s perfect for those familiar with complex board games and appreciate the thematic depth of ancient Greek mythology. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with minimal luck or those new to complex board games due to its intricate mechanics and potential for lengthy game sessions.

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