Studies in Sorcery (2021) Board Game

Studies in Sorcery is a card game released in 2021, designed by Chris Glein and Katie Khau, and published by Weird Giraffe Games. It falls under the categories of card game and fantasy, with gameplay mechanisms including contracts, hand management, open drafting, and push your luck. The game is designed for 1-4 players, with a runtime of 30-60 minutes and a recommended age of 10 and up.

Game Components of Studies in Sorcery

Game board

Project cards

Material cards

Skill cards

Moon phase tracker

Player boards

Tokens for tracking progress and resources

How To Setup Studies in Sorcery

To set up the game, each player chooses a player board and places it in front of them. The game board is placed in the middle of the playing area, and the moon phase tracker is set to the starting phase. Project cards, material cards, and skill cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player starts with a set of basic materials and skills.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Engine Building: Players gather and improve their skills and materials over the course of the game.

Drafting: Players draft project cards and materials to complete their thesis projects.

Press Your Luck: Timing the completion of projects with the correct phase of the moon is crucial.

Objective: Complete thesis projects in various dark arts disciplines to earn your degree.

Player Experience

Players experience a mix of strategic planning and tactical decision-making. The game requires balancing the need to gather resources with the urgency of completing projects before the moon phases change. As players progress, they unlock new strategies and improve their skills, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of engine-building and drafting keeps the game engaging and dynamic.

Thematic Depth: The dark arts theme is well-integrated into the gameplay mechanics.

Replayability: The randomization of project cards and materials ensures high replayability.

Solo Play: The game offers a satisfying experience for solo players.

Cons

Complexity: The game may have a learning curve due to its various mechanics.

Luck Element: The moon phase mechanic introduces an element of luck that might not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Studies in Sorcery

Studies in Sorcery is perfect for fans of engine-building and drafting games who enjoy a touch of theme and strategy. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games with depth and replayability. However, those who prefer simple, quick games or are averse to luck elements might find it less appealing. Overall, it is a great addition to any board game collection for those who enjoy complex, thematic experiences.

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