Lanterns Dice: Lights in the Sky (2019) Board Game

Lanterns Dice: Lights in the Sky is a board game that was released in 2019 by designer Chris Bryan and published by Foxtrot Games. It is a dice game that puts a twist on the original Lanterns: The Harvest Festival board game, incorporating dice rolling and pattern building mechanics.

Game Components of Lanterns Dice: Lights in the Sky

1 Pad of Scoresheets

3 Emperor Cards

48 Fireworks Tiles

4 Lantern Dice

1 Dice Tray

1 Rulebook

How To Setup Lanterns Dice: Lights in the Sky

To set up the game, each player selects a scoresheet and places it in front of them. The dice tray and the four lantern dice are prepared for rolling. The fireworks tiles are stacked in descending order of their point values. The game starts with the first player rolling the dice into the dice tray and rotating it so that each player has a die pointing towards them.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Dice: Players take turns rolling the dice into the tray and choosing a die to claim, while the other players receive the remaining dice.

Filling Scoresheets: Players fill in triangles on their scoresheets matching the color of their chosen die.

Bonuses and Gifts: Certain areas on the scoresheet, such as pavilions and platforms, offer gifts or allow additional fill-ins.

Fireworks Displays: Players can launch fireworks by filling in specific shapes and covering them with fireworks tiles.

Boats: Surrounding boats without filling them in earns bonus points.

End Game Scoring: Points are awarded for fireworks displays, the second-largest group of completed pools, and surrounded boats.

Objective: The player with the most points at the end of the game wins the favor of the Emperor.

Player Experience

**Lanterns Dice: Lights in the Sky** offers a engaging and strategic gameplay experience. The game is easy to learn but has depth, requiring players to think about which dice to claim, how to use gifts effectively, and how to create the best combinations on their scoresheets. The dice tray system ensures that all players are engaged on every turn, adding a social element to the game. The game’s aesthetic, with its colorful lanterns and fireworks, enhances the overall experience.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Engaging Gameplay: Each turn involves strategic decisions.

Visually Appealing: Beautiful artwork and chunky dice enhance the game’s appeal.

Social Interaction: All players are involved on every turn.

Cons

Dice Tray Issues: The dice tray can be finicky, requiring occasional adjustments to settle the dice.

Limited Player Sheets: Finite number of scoresheets can be a concern for frequent players.

Lightweight Strategy: May be too light for players seeking more complex strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Lanterns Dice: Lights in the Sky

**Lanterns Dice: Lights in the Sky** is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, strategic game that doesn’t overwhelm. It’s a great introduction to roll-and-write games and provides a good balance between simplicity and depth. While it may not satisfy players seeking more complex strategies, it is a delightful addition to any game collection, offering a unique and visually pleasing gaming experience.

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