Nocturion (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Nocturion is a fantasy board game released in 2019, designed by Damien Mammoliti and published by Vesuvius Media. The game is set in a medieval fantasy world where players take on the roles of noble houses competing to become the next ruler of the land. With a mix of dice rolling, variable player powers, and worker placement mechanics, Nocturion offers an immersive gaming experience for 2 to 4 players.

Game Components of Nocturion

Game board

Noble house player boards

Quest cards

Legendary heirloom cards

Resource tokens

Dice

Beast tokens with variable asymmetric powers

Victory point tokens

Rulebooks in multiple languages.

How To Setup Nocturion

To set up Nocturion, each player selects a noble house and receives the corresponding player board and starting resources. The game board is placed in the middle of the playing area, and the quest cards, legendary heirloom cards, and beast tokens are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player rolls the dice to determine the starting player. The game is ready to begin once all components are distributed and the board is set up according to the rulebook instructions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their workers to gather resources, fulfill quests, and forge beasts.

Dice Rolling: Dice are used to determine the actions players can take and the resources they can gather.

Resource Management: Players manage resources to forge beasts and complete quests.

Variable Asymmetric Powers: Each noble house and beast has unique abilities.

Objective: The noble house with the most victory points, earned by completing quests and forging beasts, proves its loyalty to the Emperor and wins the game.

Player Experience

In Nocturion, players immerse themselves in a dark fantasy world where they manage resources, roll dice, and place workers strategically. The game offers a rich and detailed artwork, courtesy of illustrator Damien Mammoliti, enhancing the overall experience. With playtime ranging from 45 to 90 minutes, players engage in a dynamic and competitive environment, each trying to outmaneuver their opponents to gain the Emperor’s favor.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Combines worker placement, dice rolling, and resource management for a complex and engaging gameplay.

Variable Powers: Unique abilities for each noble house and beast add replayability and variety.

Stunning Artwork: Highly-detailed and beautifully crafted artwork enhances the game’s atmosphere.

Multi-Language Support: Rulebooks available in several languages.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the numerous components and rules.

Steep Learning Curve: The combination of mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2 to 4 players, which might not be ideal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Nocturion

Nocturion is ideal for fans of complex strategy games who enjoy deep resource management and worker placement mechanics. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate dark fantasy themes and are looking for a game with high replayability due to its variable asymmetric powers. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer quicker, simpler games. The game’s detailed artwork and immersive gameplay make it a standout in the world of board games, but it requires a commitment to learning its intricacies.

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