Mycelia (2024) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Mycelia is a board game that was released in 2024 and designed by J.J. Neville. It falls under the environmental category and focuses on the theme of nature and sustainability. The game has received positive reviews for its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging player experience.

Game Components of Mycelia

Player boards (double-sided with unique variations)

Dewdrop tokens

Card deck featuring anthropomorphic mushroom characters

Leaf tokens (currency)

Action tokens

3D Shrine of Life (tracker and dice tower)

Six-sided Supplies die

Supply cards

Starting dewdrop tiles

How To Setup Mycelia

To set up Mycelia, players begin by drawing one of the three starting dewdrop tiles and placing 20 blue plastic dewdrops on their boards according to the pattern shown on the chosen tile. Each player starts with six identical cards, which are shuffled and then three cards are drawn to form the initial hand. Five cards from the deck are laid out face-up within reach of all players. The Supplies die is placed in one of the spaces on the table based on the player count, and the Shrine of Life is assembled and placed centrally.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck-Building: Players upgrade their deck by purchasing new cards.

Card Play: Players draw three cards, play all three, and then draw three new cards.

Dewdrop Movement: Cards allow players to move or remove dewdrop tokens from their boards.

Leaf Tokens: Earned by playing cards, these tokens serve as currency to buy new cards.

Shrine Mechanic: When dewdrops are removed and placed on the Shrine of Life, it triggers a mechanism where more dewdrops are added to players’ boards based on a die roll.

Game Objective: The first player to clear all dewdrops from their board wins. In case of a tie, leaf tokens determine the winner.

Player Experience

Mycelia offers a delightful and engaging experience, particularly for families and new gamers. The game is easy to teach and play, with short turns that keep the game fast-paced and enjoyable. The anthropomorphic mushroom characters and the 3D Shrine of Life add a charming touch to the game. However, the iconography on some cards can be confusing initially, requiring clarification from the rulebook.

Pros

Accessible and Easy to Teach: Perfect for introducing new players to deck-building.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of all ages, including children as young as 8.

Engaging Mechanics: Quick turns and interactive elements keep players involved.

Adorable Artwork: Charming illustrations of mushroom characters.

Replayability: Variable setups and a large card deck offer multiple playthroughs.

Cons

Iconography Issues: Some card icons can be confusing and require clarification.

Repetitive Gameplay: The game may feel repetitive over time.

Flimsy Player Boards: Boards are prone to being knocked and could benefit from being more robust.

Limited Player Count: Does not support more than four players.

Personal Thoughts on Mycelia

Mycelia is an excellent choice for families and new gamers looking to dive into deck-building games. It is a great introductory game that offers a fun and engaging experience without overwhelming complexity. Once players have mastered the basics of deck-building, they might find Mycelia a bit too simplistic compared to more complex games like Dominion. However, for its intended audience, Mycelia is a delightful and visually appealing game that promises plenty of fun and replayability.

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