Nova Luna (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Nova Luna is an abstract strategy board game designed by Uwe Rosenberg and Corné van Moorsel. It was released in 2019 by Edition Spielwiese and has gained popularity among board game enthusiasts for its unique gameplay mechanics and beautiful artwork by Lukas Siegmon.

Game Components of Nova Luna

1 Moon Wheel (round board)

68 tiles in four different colors

21 player discs per color (4 colors total)

Moon marker

Face-down draw piles or a bag (not included).

How To Setup Nova Luna

To set up Nova Luna, place the Moon Wheel in the center of the table and position the moon marker above the new moon illustration. Each player selects a color and takes the corresponding markers, placing one marker on the inner edge of the Moon Wheel directly beneath the new moon, with the start player’s on top. Shuffle the tiles and draw them randomly to fill the slots around the Moon Wheel. Each player’s remaining markers are kept aside for future use.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Tile Placement: Players select tiles from the Moon Wheel and place them into their tableaus orthogonally adjacent to existing tiles.

Time Management: Each tile collected moves the player’s marker along the time track based on the number on the tile.

Turn Order: The next player is the one whose marker is furthest behind on the track.

Refilling Tiles: If there are only one or two tiles available, players can refill the board starting with the space closest to the marker.

Game Objective

The objective is to place all of your markers on completed objectives printed on the tiles. Objectives are completed by ensuring the tile is bordered by the correct combination of colored tiles.

The game ends when a player places all their markers or when there are no more tiles to draw, with the player having the fewest markers left winning.

Player Experience

Nova Luna offers a unique blend of strategic tile placement and time management. At lower player counts, the game provides a more predictable experience, allowing players to plan ahead. However, with higher player counts, the game becomes more chaotic and less predictable, introducing a different level of tension and complexity. The game’s abstract nature and beautiful artwork make it visually appealing, though it lacks a strong thematic element.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers strategic decisions in tile placement and time management.

Visual Appeal: The game features beautiful, intricate artwork.

Versatility: Can be played with 1 to 4 players, including a solo variant.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last around 30 minutes.

Cons

Predictability Issues: The game becomes less predictable and more chaotic with more players.

Thematic Lack: The game lacks a strong thematic element, despite its beautiful artwork.

Downtime: Higher player counts can lead to increased downtime as players wait for their turns and plan their moves.

Personal Thoughts on Nova Luna

Nova Luna is an excellent choice for those who enjoy abstract, strategic games with a touch of luck and unpredictability. It is particularly suited for fans of Habitats and Patchwork, as it combines elements from these games. While it excels at lower player counts, it still offers a challenging and engaging experience at higher player counts, albeit with more complexity and less predictability. This game is ideal for players looking for a quick, strategic game that requires careful planning and adaptability.

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