Relic (2013) Board Game
Relic is a board game released in 2013 by Fantasy Flight Games. It is set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, a popular science fiction setting known for its dark and gritty themes. The game focuses on players exploring the dangerous outer reaches of the galaxy, encountering various challenges and enemies along the way.
## Game Components of Relic
– Game board featuring three layers
– 10 unique Imperial characters (Techpriests, Inquisitors, Space Marines, Rogue Traders)
– Character boards and busts
– Encounter cards (Tyranid, Orc, Eldar)
– Relic cards
– Wargear and Power cards
– Dice for movement and combat
– Tokens for tracking life, influence, and other attributes
– Additional components in the Nemesis expansion, including new characters, Nemesis tokens, and scenario sheets.
## How To Setup Relic
To set up Relic, players first place the large game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a character and places their character bust and board on the outermost layer of the board. The Encounter, Relic, Wargear, and Power cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player starts with a set amount of life points, influence, and other attributes. The game also includes setup for the Nemesis expansion, which introduces additional characters and scenario sheets.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
### Mechanics
– **Roll-and-Move**: Players roll dice to determine movement.
– **Combat**: Players engage in battles using dice rolls and character attributes.
– **Leveling Up**: Characters gain experience and level up as they progress through the game.
– **Resource Management**: Players manage life points, influence, and equipment.
### Game Objective
The primary objective is for players to navigate through the three layers of the board, overcoming challenges and gaining powerful relics to ultimately reach the center of the board and defeat the final enemy.
## Player Experience
Playing Relic can be a mixed bag. On one hand, the game offers a rich and immersive Warhammer 40k setting, with detailed artwork and components that enhance the theme. The game mechanics, although somewhat outdated, can still provide a fun and casual gaming experience, especially for fans of the 40k universe. However, the game lacks significant player interaction and strategic depth, which can lead to a somewhat solitary experience.
### Pros
– **Immersive Theme**: Deeply integrated into the Warhammer 40k universe.
– **High-Quality Components**: Detailed character busts and artwork.
– **Casual Fun**: Suitable for a “beer and pretzels” type of gaming session.
– **Expansion Options**: The Nemesis expansion introduces PvP elements and additional complexity.
### Cons
– **Lack of Player Interaction**: Minimal direct interaction between players in the base game.
– **Outdated Mechanics**: Based on the older Talisman system, which may feel less dynamic compared to modern games.
– **Rules Heavy**: Complex ruleset that can be overwhelming for new players.
– **Dice Roll Dependency**: Movement and combat outcomes are heavily dependent on dice rolls, which can be frustrating.
## Personal Thoughts on Relic
Relic is best suited for fans of the Warhammer 40k universe and those who enjoy casual, thematic gaming experiences. It is not ideal for players seeking deep strategic gameplay or significant player interaction. The Nemesis expansion can enhance the game by introducing PvP elements, but the core game remains more of a solo or lightly interactive experience. Relic fits well into a “beer and pretzels” gaming session where the focus is on enjoying the theme and rolling dice rather than engaging in complex strategies.
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