Shadow of the Sun (2013) Board Game

Shadow of the Sun is a card game released in 2013 by designer Sandro Rybak and published by Small Box Games. It is designed for 3–4 players with a playing time of around 30 minutes. The game is categorized as a card game and is not family-friendly.

Game Components of Shadow of the Sun

Cards: 61 cards, sized 63.5 x 88mm, including various minion types and Day Cards.

Influence Markers: Colorful Monopoly house-style markers for tracking player influence.

Rulebook: Detailed rules for setup and gameplay.

Green Markers: Used for tracking, though some sets may be missing these and require substitutions.

How To Setup Shadow of the Sun

To set up the game, place the deck of cards, influence markers, and rulebook within the compact game box. Each player starts by holding the Supremacy Card, which switches every round. The Day Card is drawn and placed next to the city districts to indicate the district in contention for that round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Draw Phase: Players draw 2 cards at the start of their turn and have the option to draw 2 more or place an influence marker in a district.

Special Abilities: Players can use special abilities by discarding matching cards to perform actions like removing an opponent’s marker or forcing opponents to discard cards.

Actions: Players can choose to Bolster (increase influence), Usurp (replace an opponent’s marker), or Preen (discard useless cards for better ones).

Struggle Phase: At the end of the round, players engage in “the Struggle” by discarding a combination of cards to win control of the contested district.

Game End: The game ends when the Day Card supply or a player’s influence markers run out. Points are tallied based on influence markers and control of districts.

Player Experience

**Shadow of the Sun** offers a dynamic and interactive experience with simple rules that allow new players to start quickly. The game encourages bluffing and backstabbing, making each round unpredictable. The special abilities of the cards add a layer of strategy, and the changing Supremacy Card ensures no player remains dominant for long.

Pros

Compact Design: The game fits snugly into a small box, making it highly portable.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but deep in strategy, making it appealing to both new and experienced players.

Interactive Gameplay: Encourages player interaction through special abilities and the Struggle phase.

Quick Setup: Game can be set up and started within minutes.

Cons

Balance Issues: Some players have noted that certain abilities, like the Supremacy Card, can be overpowered, and the probability of winning the Struggle can be skewed.

Missing Components: Some sets may arrive missing components, such as green markers.

Personal Thoughts on Shadow of the Sun

**Shadow of the Sun** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with social interaction. It’s a great choice for those who value compact, portable games that can be played quickly but still offer a rich gameplay experience. However, it may require some house rules or adjustments to balance out certain overpowered mechanics. This game is perfect for small game nights or casual gatherings where players are looking for a fun, competitive experience.

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