Orichalcum (2022) Board Game

Orichalcum is a board game released in 2022 by Catch Up Games, designed by Bruno Cathala and Johannes Goupy. The game takes players on an exciting journey of exploration, fantasy, and mythology as they compete to build territories and gain resources in the mythical world of Orichalcum.

Game Components of Orichalcum

Oversized terrain tiles

Private player boards

Titan cards with single-use powers

Temple tiles

Orichalcum (resource tokens)

Hoplite tokens (citizen-soldiers)

Monster tokens

Building cards

Market and Construction boards

Victory markers

How To Setup Orichalcum

Setting up Orichalcum involves preparing the Market and Construction boards, shuffling and placing the terrain tiles, and distributing the private player boards. Each player starts with a basic setup on their board and a set of initial resources. The game also includes a cheat sheet to help guide players through the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Terrain Placement: Players claim oversized terrain tiles from the Market board and place them on their private boards.

Titan Powers: Grouping three like terrain spaces attracts Titans, granting single-use powers.

Temple Construction: Grouping all four terrain types allows for Temple construction, earning victory markers.

Resource Management: Players produce Orichalcum, train Hoplites, construct buildings, and fight mythical monsters.

Building Placement: Buildings must be placed on specific terrain types indicated on the Construction board, providing various benefits.

Combat: Players fight monsters using Hoplites and dice rolls; victories yield lucrative bonuses.

Victory Conditions: The first player to achieve five victory markers wins the game.

Player Experience

Playing Orichalcum is a fast-paced and strategic experience. The game requires players to juggle multiple actions each turn, such as expanding their island, managing resources, constructing buildings, and battling monsters. The game’s visibility and openness allow for deep strategic planning but also demand constant attention to the changing board state.

Pros

Fast-Paced: Games typically last between 45 to 60 minutes, keeping players engaged.

Strategic Depth: Offers a mix of strategy and luck, making each game unique.

Dynamic Setup: Different player counts alter the Market and Construction boards, providing variability.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 12+, with a Greek mythology theme and clear instructions.

Replayability: Two-sided player boards offer different difficulties, keeping the game fresh.

Cons

Complex Initial Setup: The game involves many rules and pieces, which can be overwhelming initially.

High-Stakes Attention: Requires constant monitoring of the board state, which can be jarring for some players.

Limited Substance: Some players find the game lacking in substance compared to heavier 4X games.

Personal Thoughts on Orichalcum

Orichalcum is ideal for those looking for a lighter, more dynamic 4X experience without the long commitment of traditional 4X games. It suits families and newer strategy game enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of luck and strategy. However, players seeking a more substantial, complex 4X experience might find Orichalcum too light. The game’s fast pace and strategic depth make it a great addition to any game collection for those who enjoy quick, engaging strategy sessions.

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