Horizons of Spirit Island

Horizons contains all the cards and tokens needed to play the core Spirit Island game, with 5 Spirits that are unique to this expansion, at half the cost of the core game. It's advertised as being a good starting point for new or younger players, but having tried it out, I feel this isn't quite accurate. Horizons uses flat cardboard punch out tokens instead of the core game's plastic miniatures, but the game board remains the same size, so it's very difficult to fit all the pieces into a given space and things get very crowded. Futhermore, the 5 Spirits included in this module require a strong understanding of the game's flow and mechanics to make use of, and can be overwhelming or confusing for new players. It's in a niche place where it's not really a good deal ... MoreHorizons contains all the cards and tokens needed to play the core Spirit Island game, with 5 Spirits that are unique to this expansion, at half the cost of the core game. It's advertised as being a good starting point for new or younger players, but having tried it out, I feel this isn't quite accurate. Horizons uses flat cardboard punch out tokens instead of the core game's plastic miniatures, but the game board remains the same size, so it's very difficult to fit all the pieces into a given space and things get very crowded. Futhermore, the 5 Spirits included in this module require a strong understanding of the game's flow and mechanics to make use of, and can be overwhelming or confusing for new players. It's in a niche place where it's not really a good deal for anyone who already has the core game, as the only new thing you're getting are the 5 exclusive spirits, but I'd hesitate to recommend it to someone brand new. It feels like a cheaper starting option for someone who has played the core game at a friend's house or online.

Once you get past the somewhat clunky title, you find an interesting strategy game. It should appeal to casual players, and also has enough strategy to hold the interest of more seasoned players. There's a quick guide to get you started within minutes and a fuller rulebook that still doesn't have the eye-glazing effect of some strategy boardgames. Also included are tips on playing. Everyone should appreciate those. You can even play solo, if weather prevents friends from attending.

This game got me hooked after 2 weeks and I had to buy the original and another expansion. It is a very complex cooperative game where you are trying to grow and become stronger while holding back the tides of the invading armies. Imagine the puzzle of pandemic with the options of a deckbuiler like Clank. It takes some investment to understand the game, and we broke the rules on accident many times because there is a lot to remember but this game is so fun for us. If you like a good, hard, cooperative challenge with a really fun theme (anti-imperialism), I would suggest this game. Less time to set up than really hardcore games like Gloomhaven, and takes at least an hour or two to play until you are really used to it. Highly recommended. I wouldn't buy this if you ... MoreThis game got me hooked after 2 weeks and I had to buy the original and another expansion. It is a very complex cooperative game where you are trying to grow and become stronger while holding back the tides of the invading armies. Imagine the puzzle of pandemic with the options of a deckbuiler like Clank. It takes some investment to understand the game, and we broke the rules on accident many times because there is a lot to remember but this game is so fun for us. If you like a good, hard, cooperative challenge with a really fun theme (anti-imperialism), I would suggest this game. Less time to set up than really hardcore games like Gloomhaven, and takes at least an hour or two to play until you are really used to it. Highly recommended. I wouldn't buy this if you don't want to think a lot, or if you don't like being on the brink of losing a lot.