Luna (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Luna is a board game designed by Stefan Feld and released in in 2010. It is a fantasy-themed game that challenges players to strategically place workers and tiles on a modular board to influence different areas and complete rituals. With its unique gameplay mechanics and beautiful artwork by Klemens Franz and Scott Hartman, Luna has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years.

Game Components of Luna

Large main board composed of puzzle-like pieces

Seven Holy Isles tiles

Temple board segments

Novice tokens

Shrine tokens

Favor tokens

Temple tiles

Guard tiles

Book of Wisdom tokens

Time tokens

Moon Priestess, Master Builder, and Apostate figures

Council of Priests track

Influence point tokens

How To Setup Luna

To set up **Luna**, players first assemble the main board using the puzzle-like pieces, adjusting the center pieces based on the number of players. The Temple board frame is constructed and populated with Temple board segments, with some segments possibly placed face down. The seven Holy Isles tiles are arranged in numerical order around the Temple board. Players receive Novice tokens, Shrine tokens, and initial Favor tokens. Each player places their starting Novices and Shrines on the Holy Isles and receives specific Temple tiles to place in the Temple along with their Novices and Book of Wisdom tokens. The Guard tiles and other non-player character figures are placed according to the setup rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Worker Placement: Players place Novices on the Holy Isles to perform various actions.

Area Control: Players compete to control spaces within the Temple.

Area Influence: Players gain influence on the Holy Isles and with the Council of Priests.

Resource Management: Players manage Favor tokens to perform actions.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most influence points by:

Placing Novices on the Holy Isles to collect resources and perform actions.

Sending Novices to the Temple to sanctify tiles and gain points.

Gaining favor with the Council of Priests.

Interacting with non-player characters to gain or lose points.

Player Experience

**Luna** is known for its dynamic and strategic gameplay, offering multiple paths to victory. The game moves quickly once players understand the rules, with each turn requiring careful planning to maximize actions and resources. The game features tense moments, particularly in the Temple where players can displace each other’s Novices to gain points. Despite its complexity, the game is not overly dense, and subsequent games are faster as players become more familiar with the mechanics.

Pros

High Replayability: The random setup of the Holy Isles and Temple tiles ensures each game is different.

Multiple Paths to Victory: Various scoring methods allow for different strategic approaches.

Engaging Gameplay: The game is strategic yet moves quickly, keeping players engaged.

Beautiful Components: The game features high-quality artwork and components.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming and confusing for new players.

Analysis Paralysis: The numerous options can cause some players to take too long to decide on their actions.

Learning Curve: The game has a lot of interlocking mechanics that require time to fully understand.

Personal Thoughts on Luna

**Luna** is ideal for fans of strategic and complex board games, particularly those who enjoy the works of Stefan Feld. It is a great choice for game nights with experienced players or families with older children who can handle the depth of gameplay. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game players due to its complexity, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those who invest the time to learn its mechanics.

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