Moonstone Board Game – Board Game Guys

Moonstone is a fantasy bluffing and card game designed by Shane Cook, Micah Epstein, and Thomas Lishman. It was published by Goblin King Games and is suitable for 2-4 players aged 14 and above. The game features unique mechanics such as action points, dice rolling, line of sight, measurement movement, rock-paper-scissors, and variable player powers. With a runtime of 40-120 minutes, Moonstone offers a mix of strategy and humor in a whimsical fantasy setting.

Game Components of Moonstone Board Game

Miniatures: 4-6 beautifully crafted miniatures per player with unique abilities.

Moonstones: Represented by 7 four-sided dice (d4s) that determine their locations and extraction difficulties.

Arcane and Melee Decks: A 21-card Arcane deck and an 18-card Melee deck for resolving magical and combat actions.

Character Cards: Detailing each miniature’s stats, abilities, and energy requirements.

Energy Tokens: Blue discs used to track energy spent by models.

Terrain: Optional fantasy terrain pieces for the 3×3 foot playing area.

Dice: d4s for moonstones and d6s for initiative rolls.

Rulebook: Includes core rules, lore, character profiles, and background information on the world of Tauber.

How To Setup Moonstone Board Game

To set up the game, players start by arranging a 3×3 foot playing area with mutually agreed-upon terrain, avoiding the center of the board. Next, one player drops 7 d4s from about 12-16 inches above the board to determine the locations and difficulties of the moonstones. Each die’s number represents the “depth” or the number of actions required to extract the moonstone. Players then deploy their miniatures, with each player rolling a d6 to determine who goes first. The player with the highest roll chooses whether to be the “early bird” or have initiative, placing their models within 10 inches of their respective table edges.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Collect as many moonstones as possible within 4 turns.

Model Activation: Alternate activations with each model having unique abilities and energy requirements.

Energy Management: Models use energy tokens to perform actions like moving (Jog, Step), harvesting moonstones, and using arcane abilities.

Arcane Abilities: Resolved using a deck of cards where players draw and play cards face-down, allowing for bluffing and strategic play.

Melee Combat: Resolved with a separate deck, involving a more complex “Rock-Paper-Scissors” style system where players draw and reveal cards to determine outcomes.

Player Experience

Moonstone offers a engaging and thematic experience, especially for fans of skirmish games and fantasy settings. The game’s world, Tauber, is deeply fleshed out with lore and character profiles that add a whimsical touch. Players must strategically manage their energy and models to secure moonstones, making decisions on whether to focus on combat or objective completion. The game’s small footprint and simple rules make it accessible for younger players and non-wargamers, while its unique mechanics keep it interesting for seasoned gamers.

Pros

Deeply Thematic World: The game’s world of Tauber is rich in lore and character profiles.

Unique Mechanics: The use of Arcane and Melee decks adds a layer of strategy and bluffing.

Accessible Gameplay: Easy to learn and play, making it a great introduction to skirmish games.

High Replayability: Randomized moonstone placements ensure different gameplay each time.

Small Footprint: Requires minimal space and terrain, making it perfect for kitchen tables.

Cons

Limited Uniqueness in Mechanics: Some mechanics feel similar to other skirmish games.

Dependence on Card Draws: Combat and arcane abilities can be inconclusive or heavily influenced by bad draws.

Complexity in Melee: The melee system, while engaging, can be more complicated than the arcane abilities.

Personal Thoughts on Moonstone Board Game

Moonstone is an excellent choice for those who enjoy tactical skirmish games with a strong thematic focus. It is particularly suited for fans of fantasy and folklore, and its accessible rules make it a great entry point for new players. The game’s unique mechanics, such as the Arcane and Melee decks, add a delightful layer of strategy and bluffing, making it a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages. However, it may not offer enough mechanical innovation for players seeking something entirely new in the skirmish genre.

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