Soulaween (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Soulaween is a board game that was released in 2019 and designed by Shi Chen. It falls under the category of Abstract Strategy, with elements of Fantasy, Movies/TV/Radio themes, Mythology, and Religious themes. The game is intended for 2 players, with a runtime of 15-30 minutes and an age recommendation of 6 and up. The game features pattern building, square grid mechanics, and variable player powers.

Game Components of Soulaween

Board: A 4×4 grid, often compared to a cloth board for its thinness.

Counters: Wooden discs, each with a red and a green side, and slightly different soul faces on each side to aid differentiation.

Characters: Variable player powers represented by different characters, introducing additional gameplay mechanics and variations.

Scoring Chips: Used for tracking and scoring patterns.

How To Setup Soulaween

To set up Soulaween, place the 4×4 grid board in the middle of the playing area. Each player starts with no counters on the board. The game is ready to begin once the board is laid out and the counters are within reach of both players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Players alternate turns placing a wooden disc on an available location on the board, choosing which side (red or green) to face up.

Flipping Counters: After placing a counter, the player flips over any orthogonally adjacent counters.

Pattern Formation: Players aim to create straight lines, diagonal lines, or other specified patterns depending on the chosen characters.

Scoring: A player scores by removing four counters of the same color that form a valid pattern.

Winning Condition: The first player to score three times wins the game.

Player Experience

Soulaween is a game that initially seems simple but quickly reveals its depth. Players must strategically place counters to flip adjacent ones and create scoring patterns while preventing their opponent from doing the same. The game becomes a battle of wits, with each player trying to outmaneuver the other. The inclusion of variable player powers adds variety and complexity, allowing for multiple playthroughs with different strategies.

Pros

Portability: The game is extremely portable, coming in a compact box.

Quick Setup: It is very quick to set up and teach.

Depth and Replayability: Despite simple rules, the game offers significant depth and replayability, especially with the variable player powers.

Engaging Gameplay: It is highly engaging, with each turn requiring careful thought and strategy.

Cons

Limited Player Count: It is designed for only two players.

Tactical Over Strategy: Some players might find the game too tactical and less strategic than they prefer.

Component Quality: Some components, like the board and tokens (other than the discs), are thin and less substantial.

Personal Thoughts on Soulaween

Soulaween is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games and those who enjoy tactical challenges. It is a great addition to any collection of two-player games, offering a compact and engaging experience that can be played during short breaks or as a filler game. The game’s portability and quick setup make it a perfect choice for travelers or those with limited storage space. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking deeply strategic games, it excels in providing a fun and intellectually stimulating experience for two players.

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