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Winter Queen (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Winter Queen is a fantasy board game released in 2021 by designer Yuri Zhuravljov and published by CrowD Games. With a runtime of 20-30 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, Winter Queen offers a unique gaming experience with its hexagon grid, hidden victory points, open drafting, pattern building, and set collection mechanics.

Game Components of Winter Queen

  • Board:** A grid of 25 hexagons arranged into four regions of five spaces plus five isolated spaces.
  • Spell Book Tokens:** Eight different patterns, each with two visible pages.
  • Crystals:** Drawn from a bag and placed on the board or on spell books.
  • VP Tokens:** Earned for completing patterns.
  • Gem Tokens:** Randomized tokens placed on the board during setup.
  • Mini-Expansions:** *Gratitudes* (single-use abilities), *Royal Jewelry* (side board for spent jewels), and *The Great Wizard* (solo mode).

    How To Setup Winter Queen

    To set up Winter Queen, start by arranging the hexagonal board into its four regions and five isolated spaces. Randomly place gem tokens on up to five of these spaces. Each player receives a set of spell books and a crested plate for holding crystals. The number of gems in the bag varies by player count: 45 gems for four players, 40 gems for three players, and 30 gems for two players. A portion of these gems is already drawn and placed on the board at the beginning.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Actions:** Each turn, players can choose from three actions: placing a crystal on the board, placing a crystal on a previously claimed spell book to declare a pattern, or scoring a spell book according to the declared pattern.
  • Scoring Patterns:** Patterns involve finding specific arrangements of crystals and gems, such as matching colors in regions, empty spaces around gems, or gems on the board’s edge.
  • Gem Removal:** After scoring a spell book with two gems, one gem is removed from the board.
  • Game End:** The game ends after the final gem is drawn and one additional round is played. All open books are then scored, and the player with the most VP tokens wins.

    Player Experience

    Winter Queen offers a tightly packed and visually appealing game environment. The initial play can be awkward due to the complex setup and the need to quickly adapt to the limited space on the board. As the game progresses, players must strategically plan their moves, considering both their own objectives and the potential to disrupt their opponents’ plans. The game is more enjoyable with higher player counts due to the increased interaction and conflict.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** The game requires careful planning and strategy to maximize scores.
  • Visual Appeal:** The game board and components are aesthetically pleasing.
  • High Replayability:** Randomized gem placement and multiple spell book patterns ensure different experiences each time.
  • Increased Interaction with More Players:** The game becomes more engaging and competitive with higher player counts.

    Cons

  • Component Issues:** Cardboard coins are all the same color and size, which can be confusing.
  • Initial Learning Curve:** The first play can be awkward due to the complex rules and setup.
  • Limited Space:** The game ends quickly, and the available space on the board fills up rapidly.

    Personal Thoughts on Winter Queen

    Winter Queen is not for those seeking a highly thematic family adventure game; instead, it is perfect for players who enjoy abstract strategy games with a touch of magic and beauty. It is ideal for those who appreciate the challenge of creating intricate patterns and navigating tight game spaces. The game’s abstract nature and strategic depth make it a great choice for fans of games that require careful planning and strategic thinking.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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