Origin (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Origin is a strategic board game released in 2013, designed by Andrea Mainini and published by Matagot. The game is set in prehistoric times, where players take on the role of tribal leaders guiding their population to become the dominant species on Earth.

Game Components of Origin

Game tokens in three colors, three heights, and three thicknesses

Technology tiles with 1-5 arrows

Tan, orange, and violet decks of cards
– Tan cards: one-shot effects
– Orange cards: permanent powers
– Violet cards: objectives to meet

Tech chart with tan, orange, violet, and brown sections

How To Setup Origin

To set up Origin, start by placing one of the smallest, skinniest game tokens in the center of Africa on the board. Randomly place three technology tiles on the tan, orange, and violet sections of the tech chart and six random tiles on the brown section. Shuffle the tan, orange, and violet decks of cards and place them in their respective areas on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Actions: Each turn, a player can take one of three actions: place a new token on the board, move an existing token, or acquire technology tiles.

Technology Acquisition: Technology tiles must be acquired in ascending order (e.g., can’t acquire a 4 without having a 3).

Card Play: Players can play at most one card of each color (tan, orange, violet) per turn.

Space Rewards: Players are rewarded based on the color of the space they occupy, such as taking a tile or drawing cards.

Scoring: Points can be scored by occupying grasslands, straits, and meeting objectives.

Game End: The game ends when all tokens are on the board, all tiles are acquired, or all cards of one color are drawn. Players then tally their points.

Player Experience

Origin offers a unique blend of exploration and strategy, with players guiding the expansion of human tribes across the globe. The game’s abstract theme and diverse components, such as the differently sized and colored tokens, add a visually appealing and engaging element. Players must strategically acquire technology and meet objectives to maximize their score, making each game a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and strategy to acquire the right technology and occupy key spaces.

Variety: The different types of cards and technology tiles provide a high level of replayability.

Educational: It introduces players to geographical and historical concepts in a fun and interactive way.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming and complex.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and mechanics overwhelming at first.

Luck Factor: The random placement of technology tiles and cards can introduce an element of luck that may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Origin

Origin is a game that appeals to fans of strategy and exploration. It is ideal for players who enjoy games with deep mechanics and a historical or geographical theme. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a great addition to the collection of any serious board game enthusiast. The game’s ability to balance strategy with a touch of luck makes it a compelling choice for those looking for a challenging yet engaging experience.

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