Onirim (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Onirim is a card game designed by Shadi Torbey and published by Z-Man Games in in 2010. It falls into the category of exploration and fantasy games, where players must navigate through a dream world to escape their nightmares. The game has gained popularity for its unique mechanics and challenging gameplay, especially for solo players.

Game Components of Onirim

76 base game cards
– 58 Location cards (16 Observatory, 15 Aquarium, 14 Garden, and 13 Library)
– 8 Door cards (2 per suit)
– 10 Nightmare cards

93 cards for the seven expansions in the second edition

An Incubus figurine

Two English rulebooks (one for the basic game and one for the expansions)

How To Setup Onirim

Setting up Onirim is straightforward. The player starts with a hand of five cards. Any drawn Door or Nightmare cards are immediately shuffled back into the deck. The remaining cards are placed face down to form the draw deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Unlock eight Door cards to escape the labyrinth.

Card Play: Play a card from your hand if its symbol (Sun, Moon, or Key) does not match the symbol of the previously played card.

Discarding: Discard a card from your hand; if it is a Key card, it triggers a Prophecy, allowing you to look at the top five cards of the deck, discard one, and rearrange the rest.

Unlocking Doors: Play three Location cards in a row of the same color to search for and place a matching Door card.

Nightmares: Resolve Nightmare cards immediately when drawn, which can set you back by forcing you to discard cards or rearrange your hand.

Two-Player Cooperative: Each player has a personal hand of three cards and two shared cards. Players must unlock four Doors each, one of each suit, to win.

Player Experience

Playing Onirim is a quick and engaging experience, lasting about 15 minutes per game. The game is highly portable and requires minimal space. The beautiful, surreal artwork on the cards adds to the immersive experience of navigating a dreamworld labyrinth. Players must balance strategy and luck, making decisions on which cards to play or discard to avoid Nightmares and unlock the necessary doors.

Pros

High Replayability: Seven expansions in the second edition add significant variety and challenge.

Beautiful Artwork: Unique and detailed illustrations on each card.

Portable: Easy to carry and set up.

Quick Gameplay: Games are short and can be played in a few minutes.

Engaging Mechanics: Combines card drafting, hand management, and set collection.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: Success can be heavily influenced by lucky draws.

Simple Gameplay: Some players may find the game too straightforward or simplistic.

Limited Complexity: While expansions add complexity, the base game is relatively easy.

Personal Thoughts on Onirim

Onirim is ideal for those looking for a quick, solo gaming experience with a touch of strategy and luck. It’s perfect for travelers or players with limited time, as it is easy to set up and play. The cooperative mode adds a new layer of challenge and teamwork, making it a great option for players who enjoy working together to achieve a common goal. While it may not offer the depth and complexity that some gamers crave, Onirim’s unique theme, beautiful artwork, and high replayability make it a solid addition to any card game collection.

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