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Somnicum (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Somnicum is a card game released in 2017 by Don’t Panic Games. It is designed by Konstantin Domashev and features artwork by Faya Khamidulina. The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 10 and above. Somnicum falls under the category of card games and utilizes set collection as its main mechanism.

Game Components of Somnicum

  • 88 Dream Cards**
  • 8 Goal Cards**
  • 72 Magical Sand Tokens**
  • 18 Discovery Cards**
  • 2 Dream Pendulum Pawns**
  • 1 Cloth Bag**
  • Rulebook**

    How To Setup Somnicum

    To set up Somnicum, place all the magical sand tokens into the cloth bag. Shuffle the dream cards and arrange a circle of face-up cards in the middle of the table, with the number of cards depending on the number of players (16 for two players, 21 for three players, or 24 for four players). Shuffle the discovery cards and set them aside. Shuffle the goal cards and deal one to each player, keeping the rest in the box. Each player can look at their goal card but must keep it hidden. Choose a start player. The second player draws one random magical sand token, the third player draws two, and the fourth player draws three. These tokens are kept face down. The player who will go last places one of the dream pendulums between two cards of their choice, with the other pendulum placed opposite it.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Rounds: The game is played over three rounds with a scoring phase at the end of each round.
  • Dream Card Placement: Players build their dreams by placing cards in front of them, ensuring that each card is added to the rightmost point in any layer of a dream. Matching dream particles keep the dream unbroken.
  • Broken Dreams: If cards do not match, a random token is drawn from the bag and placed face down between the cards, indicating a broken dream.
  • Scoring: Points are awarded based on the stars on the dream cards, with cards on deeper layers scoring more points (twice for the second layer, three times for the third layer).
  • Discovery Cards: Each discovery card in a player’s hand scores one point.
  • Goal Cards: Players score additional points for each dream particle on their goal card that appears in their dream.
  • Nightmares: Negative points are deducted for nightmares, especially if they are on deeper layers.

    Player Experience

    Somnicum offers a thought-provoking experience with simple yet strategic gameplay. Players must carefully consider when to take certain cards and how to build their dreams to maximize points. The game’s colorful and psychedelic theme enhances the dreamlike atmosphere, making it visually appealing. However, the game requires significant tablespace, as each player builds a three-layered pyramid of cards.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth: Despite simple rules, the game requires thoughtful decisions.
  • Visual Appeal: The game’s colorful and psychedelic theme is both beautiful and evocative.
  • Replayability: The random draw of magical sand tokens and discovery cards adds variety to each game.

    Cons

  • Tablespace: The game requires a lot of space to set up and play.
  • Complex Setup: The initial setup can be somewhat complex, especially for new players.

    Personal Thoughts on Somnicum

    Somnicum is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a unique theme. It is perfect for those who appreciate building intricate structures and making thoughtful decisions. The game’s psychedelic visuals and dreamlike atmosphere make it a standout in any game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for players with limited tablespace or those who prefer quick and simple games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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