Urbion (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Urbion is a card game designed by Shadi Torbey and published by Filosofia Éditions in in 2012. It falls under the categories of card game, fantasy, math, and number games. The game is known for its cooperative gameplay and unique mechanics that challenge players to manage their hand efficiently while trying to manipulate the deck to their advantage.

Game Components of Urbion

12 City Cards: Represent various districts of the city.

Dream Cards: Include Incubi (negative dreams) and Sognae (positive dreams).

Chaos Cards: Entities that thrive on discord and hatred.

Polarity Cards: Used in two-player mode to determine which type of Dream cards a player can play.

Book of Powers Cards: Optional expansion cards that introduce new effects and challenges.

Meta Cards: Double-sided cards that can be played as either Incubi or Sognae.

How To Setup Urbion

To set up the game, the player draws an initial hand of four cards and a Chaos card. The City cards are laid out, and the player must balance these cards by ensuring an equal distribution of Incubi and Sognae dreams. In two-player mode, each player receives a hand of four cards and a Polarity card, which dictates the type of Dream cards they can play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Claim all twelve City cards by maintaining balance between Incubi and Sognae dreams.

Mechanics:

Card Placement: Players place Dream cards next to City cards to balance them.

Chaos Resolution: Resolve Chaos cards which can disrupt the balance and introduce penalties.

Dream Deck Management: Manage the Dream deck to ensure there are enough cards to continue the game.

Cooperative Play: In two-player mode, players alternate turns and can only play Dream cards matching their Polarity card.

Winning Condition: Claim all twelve City cards.

Losing Condition: Run out of cards in the Dream deck when needing to draw.

Player Experience

Playing Urbion involves a delicate dance between managing the balance of dreams and mitigating the effects of Chaos. The game requires strategic planning and adaptability, especially when dealing with the unpredictable nature of Chaos cards. The cooperative mode adds a layer of teamwork, where players must coordinate their moves to achieve the common goal.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and strategy to balance the dreams.

Cooperative Element: Offers a unique cooperative experience where players work together.

Variable Setup: Each game can be different due to the random distribution of Dream and Chaos cards.

Thematic Engagement: The theme of balancing positive and negative dreams is engaging and immersive.

Cons

Complexity: The rules and mechanics can be complex, especially for new players.

Out of Print: The game is currently out of print, making it difficult to acquire.

Chaos Cards: Can introduce significant randomness and frustration.

Limited Player Interaction in Solo Mode: Solo play can feel isolating due to the lack of direct interaction.

Personal Thoughts on Urbion

Urbion is a game for players who enjoy strategic card games with a strong thematic element. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate solo or cooperative play and are willing to delve into complex rules and mechanics. The game’s unique blend of dream management and chaos mitigation makes it a compelling choice for fans of intricate gameplay. However, its current unavailability and steep learning curve may deter some potential players.

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