Spirit Island (2017) Board Game
Spirit Island is a cooperative board game designed by R. Eric Reuss and published by Greater Than Games, LLC in 2017. The game takes place on a mystical island where players take on the roles of powerful spirits trying to defend the island from colonizers. With a unique theme focusing on environmentalism and mythology, Spirit Island has gained popularity among gamers who enjoy strategic and cooperative gameplay.
Game Components of Spirit Island
- Game board depicting the island divided into different regions
- Spirit panels representing the different spirits players can control
- Invader cards to determine the actions of the colonizers
- Fear cards to track the fear level of the colonizers
- Presence tokens for players to establish their presence on the island
- Fear tokens to track the fear level of the colonizers
How To Setup Spirit Island
- Set up the game board and place the Invader deck and Fear deck nearby.
- Each player chooses a spirit panel and takes the corresponding Presence tokens.
- Place the corresponding Invader cards based on the difficulty level.
- Start the game by drawing Invader cards and resolving their actions.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
In Spirit Island, players work together to prevent the colonizers from ravaging the island. Each spirit has unique powers that players can use strategically to push back the invaders. The game involves a mix of area control, resource management, and tactical planning. The objective is to repel the colonizers and protect the island from destruction.
Player Experience
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Pros:
- Engaging cooperative gameplay that promotes teamwork
- Deep strategic depth with a variety of spirit powers to explore
- Unique theme that sets it apart from traditional board games
- Challenging gameplay that rewards careful planning and coordination
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Cons:
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Can be overwhelming with the number of rules and mechanics to keep track of
- Requires good communication and coordination among players to succeed
- Limited replayability once players have mastered the strategies
Personal Thoughts on Spirit Island
Spirit Island is a beautifully crafted game that offers a unique and immersive gaming experience. The thematic elements of environmentalism and mythology add depth to the gameplay, making it more than just a typical territory control game. While the learning curve may be steep, the satisfaction of successfully defending the island with your fellow spirits is well worth the effort.
In terms of build quality, Spirit Island is well-made with sturdy components that enhance the overall gaming experience. The game falls under the category of cooperative, environmental, fantasy, fighting, and mythology, appealing to a wide range of players who enjoy strategic gameplay.
Pricing and availability of Spirit Island can vary, but it is generally well-received in the board gaming community. For those looking for alternatives or similar games, titles like Pandemic and Gloomhaven offer similar cooperative gameplay experiences. Ultimately, whether Spirit Island is worth your time depends on your preferences for thematic depth, strategic gameplay, and cooperative challenges. It is recommended for players who enjoy in-depth strategy and thematic immersion, while those looking for a more casual gaming experience may want to skip it.
Check out my full review on Spirit Island for more!
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