The Banishing (2017) Board Game

The Banishing is a cooperative card game released in 2017, designed by John Camacho and Michael Phillippi. Published by WizKids, the game is designed for 3-5 players, with an average playtime of 45 minutes. The game is set in a world where players must work together to banish evil spirits threatening the realm.

Game Components of The Banishing

98 Cards: Used to form melds and cast spells.

8 Character sheets: Each representing a unique guardian.

How To Setup The Banishing

To set up the game, players first shuffle the deck of cards from the Void and deal out the character sheets. Each player chooses a guardian and places their character sheet on the table. The cards are then drawn from the Void deck to start the game. Players must arrange themselves strategically to work together effectively, as coordination is key to success.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Collect cards: Players gather cards from the Void.

Form melds: Combine cards to cast unique spells and effects.

Complete the Banishing ritual: The ultimate goal is to hurl the undead back through the Void.

Work together: Players must cooperate to protect and heal each other from undead attacks.

Time pressure: The longer the game takes, the stronger the undead become.

Player Experience

In The Banishing, players embark on a tense and cooperative journey. The game demands teamwork and strategic thinking as players must quickly form melds and cast spells to fend off the increasingly powerful undead. Communication and coordination are essential, making it a great game for groups looking to work together under pressure.

Pros

Cooperative gameplay: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Unique spells and effects: Offers a variety of strategies through melds.

Affordable: Priced at $19.99, making it accessible.

Quick gameplay: Lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Cons

Limited replayability: The game mechanics, though engaging, may become repetitive.

Dependence on teamwork: Success heavily relies on player coordination, which can be challenging with less experienced or less cooperative players.

Personal Thoughts on The Banishing

The Banishing is ideal for groups of 3-5 players who enjoy cooperative games and are looking for a light-weight, yet engaging experience. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the thrill of working together against a common enemy and the challenge of managing increasing difficulty over time. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking high replayability or solo play experiences.

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