Somnia (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Somnia is a card game released in 2019 by designer 別府さい (Sai Beppu) and illustrated by Tarte Games. The game falls under the category of trick-taking games, where players try to win tricks based on the cards they play. With a playing time of 30-45 minutes, Somnia is suitable for 2-4 players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Somnia

Deck of cards

Life chips

Nightmare Chip

Game lid or board for central placement of the Nightmare Chip

How To Setup Somnia

Setting up Somnia is straightforward. Each player starts with 3 life chips. The Nightmare Chip is placed at the center of the game lid. For a two-player game, cards with values 2-4 are removed. The remaining cards are shuffled, and in a two-player game, each player is dealt 6 cards, with the rest forming a draw pile. In a three- or four-player game, all the cards are dealt evenly among the players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-taking mechanism: Players take turns playing a card from their hand, with the first player setting the “led suit” that others must follow if possible.

Establishing new suits: The first player to play a card not of the led suit sets a new suit.

Scoring: Points are calculated based on the cards taken, with scoring rules varying by player count.

Objective: Players aim to craft a beautiful dream by taking the right fragments without overwhelming their dreamscape, while avoiding or managing nightmares.

Player Experience

In Somnia, players navigate their own dreamscapes, collecting fragments of dreams and stitching them together. The game requires strategic thinking to avoid turning dreams into nightmares. Players must balance taking tricks, managing nightmares, and sculpting a better dream with the cards they have. The game is challenging and engaging, making it compelling due to its delicate web of scoring and trick-taking.

Pros

Adaptable player count: Works well with 2-4 players, which is rare for trick-taking games.

Engaging theme: Subtly creepy and evocative of a child’s nightmare, making the game visually appealing.

Challenging gameplay: Requires strategic thinking and is not as straightforward as other trick-taking games.

Good two-player mode: Impressively designed for two players, making it a great option for smaller groups.

Cons

Complex scoring: The scoring system can be difficult to internalize and requires careful tracking.

Need for reference cards: Players may find it hard to keep track of points without additional reference materials.

Personal Thoughts on Somnia

Somnia is ideal for fans of trick-taking games who appreciate a challenge and a unique theme. It is particularly great for those who often find themselves playing with smaller groups, as its two-player mode is well-designed. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer simple, straightforward gameplay or are easily frustrated by complex scoring mechanisms. Overall, Somnia offers a compelling and strategic gaming experience that stands out in its category.

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