Cloudspire

Cloudspire

2019
Strategy
4.31 out of 5
14+ people loved this game
Mechanics
Tile Placement
Complexity
Heavy
Duration
90 - 180 minutes
Number of players
1 - 4 players
Minimum age
13+ years

Cloudspire review

Cloudspire is a game that really grabbed my attention. It's a 1-4 player strategy game heavily influenced by tower defense and MOBA games. The fact that it was inspired by games like League of Legends and DOTA2 immediately drew me in, and I'm a sucker for a good tower defense game. It's a bit on the pricey side, but the components are top-notch. The art on the neoprene mats and cards is beautiful, and the game even comes with cases and shelves to keep everything organized. You're definitely getting what you pay for in terms of quality.

The game itself is incredibly complex. It's not for the faint of heart and takes a lot of time to learn. Even with a group of experienced gamers, we had to play several times before we really understood all the rules and intricacies. But once we did, it was a blast! The depth and strategic options are really impressive. Each faction has unique units, heroes, and abilities, and the event deck adds an element of unpredictability to each turn. I also really like the asymmetry between the factions, it makes each playthrough feel different.

However, the complexity is also a major drawback. The learning curve is steep, and games can take quite a while to finish. I wouldn't recommend playing with more than two players unless everyone is already familiar with the game. I'm actually thinking about adding some house rules to try and speed up the gameplay. I also think the game could benefit from simultaneous turns, which would make it feel less like a waiting game.

Overall, I'm very happy with Cloudspire. It's a fantastic game for those who love complex strategy games with a lot of depth. If you're looking for a premium quality board game that's inspired by popular MOBAs, then Cloudspire is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a steep learning curve and lengthy play times.