The Vale of Eternity (2023) Board Game

The Vale of Eternity is a fantasy-themed card game designed by Eric Hong and published by Mandoo Games. With stunning artwork by Jiahui Eva Gao, Gautier Maia, Stefano Martinuz, Erica Tormen, and Jens Wiese, this game takes players on a journey through a mystical world filled with magic and mythology. Released in 2023, it has quickly gained popularity among fans of card games and fantasy settings.

Game Components of The Vale of Eternity

1 Game Board

1 Eternity Standee

1 Score Board

1 Round Marker

42 Magic Stones

1 First Player Marker

8 Player Markers

4 Score Markers

4 Player Tiles

70 Cards featuring creatures from global myths

How To Setup The Vale of Eternity

To set up the game, players begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a player tile and places it on the board. The magic stones, round marker, and score markers are also distributed accordingly. The deck of creature cards is shuffled, and each player is dealt a starting hand. The first player is determined, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Drafting: Players draft two cards from the game board each round.

Hand Management: Players manage their cards to optimize their actions.

Set Collection: Players collect sets of creature cards.

Market: Players can sell cards for magic stones.

Game Objective

Hunting Phase: Draft two cards from the game board.

Action Phase: Take actions such as selling cards, taming, or summoning cards.

Resolution Phase: Use the active effects of summoned cards.

The goal is to tame the most outstanding creatures, particularly the noble dragons, to score the most points.

Player Experience

The Vale of Eternity offers a dynamic and engaging experience with each game being unique and unpredictable. Players must strategize through card drafting, actions, and the use of their summoned minions. The game is simple to learn but deep in strategy, making it accessible yet challenging. Even younger players, such as a 9-year-old seasoned board gamer, can pick it up quickly.

Pros

Variety and Unpredictability: Each game features a different set of creatures and outcomes.

Strategic Depth: Combines simple mechanics with deep strategic choices.

Engaging Theme: Features dragons, monsters, and spirits from global myths.

Fast and Fun: Games typically last 30-45 minutes, making it a quick and enjoyable experience.

Cons

Initial Learning Curve: The first game can be longer as players learn the rules and strategies.

Space and Resource Management: Players must manage their cards and magic stones carefully to avoid inefficiencies.

No Change Given: Overpaying for cards results in discarding excess stones without refund.

Personal Thoughts on The Vale of Eternity

The Vale of Eternity is an excellent choice for fans of card games and fantasy themes. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy strategic games with a strong element of luck and unpredictability. While it may not be a permanent fixture in every collection, it offers a fun and engaging experience that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players, from casual gamers to those looking for a bit more depth. It is ideal for players aged 14 and above, and it supports 2-4 players, making it a versatile addition to any game night.

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