Tanis (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Tanis is an abstract strategy board game designed by Mila Harbar and published by Eagle-Gryphon Games. It was released in 2023 and is designed for 2 players. The game falls under the categories of abstract strategy and puzzle, with gameplay focused on once-per-game abilities, physical removal, set collection, and slide/push mechanics.

Game Components of Tanis

40 basic tiles representing documents, each with an icon and a number

8 “God tiles” that can be used as substitutes for the 9s and 10s of each suit

6 cards (Explorer, Excavator, Expert) with unique actions

Upgraded versions of the basic cards for advanced play

Excavation tools to assist in retrieving tiles

How To Setup Tanis

To set up Tanis, players start by arranging the tiles randomly in a box. The box is then flipped over, revealing a mix of face-up and face-down tiles. Each player receives a set of six cards (three Explorer, two Excavator, and one Expert) which they will use to manipulate the tiles during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Players aim to collect and reconstruct documents by forming contiguous sets of tiles with matching icons and sequential numbers.

Tile Collection: Players can take face-up tiles that are fully visible or use their cards to manipulate the tile arrangement.

Card Actions:
– Explorer: Slide tiles around.
– Excavator: Remove tiles from the game.
– Expert: Take two tiles without matching icons.

God Tiles: These tiles feature two different icons and can be used as substitutes. Owning both halves of a God tile pair scores more points than owning just one half.

Scoring: Runs of tiles score points based on their length, with longer runs scoring more points.

Player Experience

Tanis is a game that rewards skillful play but does not require extensive experience to enjoy. Each game presents new challenges, making it evenly matched for newcomers and experienced players. The game is quick, lasting about 20 minutes, and is thought-provoking and fun. It balances pacing and complexity well, ensuring it doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last around 20 minutes.

Balanced Complexity: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Strategic Depth: Numerous decision points requiring careful planning.

Competitive: Encourages tactical play against the opponent.

Portable: The game is compact, similar in size to a standard hardback novel.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2 players only.

Random Setup: The random arrangement of tiles can lead to uneven starting conditions.

Tile Manipulation: Physical removal and sliding of tiles can be fiddly.

Personal Thoughts on Tanis

Tanis is perfect for those looking for a quick, strategic game that is both fun and thought-provoking. It is ideal for couples or friends who enjoy competitive, abstract strategy games. The game’s compact size and quick gameplay make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate set collection and puzzle-solving mechanics. While it may not offer the same level of complexity as some other strategy games, Tanis excels in its ability to deliver a satisfying and engaging experience in a short amount of time.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.