Tabletop Spotlight: INIS
The Tabletop Spotlight is on Inis – The Celtic Mythology Board Game!
Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy brought over a new game that I think deserves a good look at – Inis from Asmodee & Matagot. It’s take on Celtic Lore is really impressive!
At it’s core, Inis is a drafting game with some great mechanics on top. The players take the role of competing “tribes” trying to tame this enchanted land. It’s got a bit of a worker placement vibe as well as some interpersonal political maneuvering as well. While it doesn’t sound super complicated to learn, it does reward some very strategic play.
What I liked about it the most was probably the art and history contained within this game. It’s Celtic lore – not Nordic mythology! It’s a nice change of pace from some of the other pantheons and myths that get re-visited time and time again. The rulebook actually has a really cool intro as well, so even if you’re completely lost when it comes to Irish folklore and Celtic Mythology it’s got you covered!
I do want to mention one more thing about the gameplay – winning is not easy. You can’t just overpower your opponent in battle and win. You can’t just bunker down and win. In order to be successful you’ve got to have a good mix. There are 3 win conditions that players can achieve during the game, but in order to claim victory you still have to have one more win condition than your opponents. And ties go to the “Brenn” – so keep that in mind, too!
Overall, this game looks visually amazing, has a lot of replay value and can be a very strategic game. If you’re looking for something to challenge your gaming group with then I highly recommend you check out Inis!
Inis
Rule over ancient Ireland in Inis, a two-to-four player board game designed by Christian Martinez. Inis invites you to experience the magnificent deeds of Irish myth as you explore the island’s enchanted landscape and claim territory for your clans. The game’s elegant mechanics combine card drafting and area control to produce a system rich in strategic options and interpersonal interactions. Brilliantly crafted tiles give every game a unique, gradually unfolding geography, while original art brings Ireland’s ancient epics and audacious heroes to life.
A game with Irish folklore and deep, strategic game play? Sign me up!
