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Nidavellir (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Nidavellir is a board game that was released in 2020 by designer Serge Laget and published by GRRRE Games. The game is set in a fantasy world inspired by Norse mythology, specifically the realm of Nidavellir, which is home to the dwarves.

Game Components of Nidavellir

  • Boards: Each player has a personal board.
  • Coins: A set of gold coins valued 0, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
  • Gems: Randomly assigned gems for tie-breaks.
  • Bonus Hero Cards: Placed on racks.
  • First and Second Era Cards: Form two face-down draw piles.
  • Pub Signs: Laid down the middle of the table.
  • Dwarf Cards: Distributed in taverns.
  • Mythology Cards** (with expansions like Idavoll): Include Mythical Animals, Norse god cards, and Giants.

    How To Setup Nidavellir

    To set up Nidavellir, start by arranging the bonus hero cards on the provided racks. Shuffle the First and Second era cards to form two face-down draw piles. Lay the pub signs down the middle of the table and distribute the relevant number of dwarf cards in each tavern. Each player receives a board, a set of coins, and a randomly assigned gem.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Auction Mechanics: Players secretly bid gold coins to recruit dwarves from taverns.
  • Sealed Bid: Players allocate a single coin to each tavern.
  • Coin Upgrading: Bidding a 0-value coin allows players to upgrade their remaining coins.
  • Set Collection: Players aim to collect sets of different classes of dwarven warriors.
  • Drafting: Players select dwarves from the taverns based on their bids.
  • Simultaneous Action Selection: Players act simultaneously in bidding and selecting dwarves.
  • Game Objective: The goal is to have the most points by collecting valuable sets of dwarves and upgrading coins.

    Player Experience

    Nidavellir offers a blend of strategy and simplicity, making it enjoyable for both casual and experienced players. The game is quick, with playtime ranging from 30 to 45 minutes, and maintains a smooth pace across all player counts. The interaction is primarily through strategic bidding and drafting, where players must balance immediate needs with long-term strategies. The game encourages set collection and clever use of coin upgrades, adding depth without overwhelming complexity.

    Pros

  • Works Well at All Player Counts: Smooth gameplay from 2 to 5 players.
  • High Scoring Games: Points come from set collection and coin values.
  • Clever Auction Mechanic: Innovative coin upgrading system.
  • Quick Playtime: Games typically last 30-45 minutes.
  • Easy to Teach and Learn: Simple rules with strategic depth.
  • Engaging Set Collection: Rewards both deep and broad strategies.

    Cons

  • Misleading Box Art: May not reflect the game’s quality and depth.
  • Rickety Coin Rack: Minor component issue.
  • Vertical Stackers: Need to set coins up every time.
  • Overpowered Hero Cards: Three characters can imbalance the game if included.
  • Need for Player Aids: Especially with expansions for explaining hero powers.

    Personal Thoughts on Nidavellir

    Nidavellir is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a light yet strategic game that is easy to learn but deep enough to engage experienced gamers. It is ideal for mid-week gaming sessions or as a filler game between heavier games. The game’s ability to balance simplicity with depth makes it accessible to a wide range of players, from non-gamers to seasoned enthusiasts. However, the game may not be the best fit for casual players who prefer extremely light games, especially with the addition of expansions that introduce more complex rules.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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