Horizons of Spirit Island

Horizons of Spirit Island is a streamlined version of the popular cooperative board game Spirit Island, offering a more affordable entry point for newcomers. The game features a double-sided board, punchboard components, and five new Spirits designed for first-time players, all compatible with the original Spirit Island components. I was drawn to this version because I've been wanting to try Spirit Island for a while, but was intimidated by its complexity. The simplified mechanics and rules of Horizons made it much easier to grasp, and I had a blast playing through the first few games.

The new Spirits are fun and interesting, and they provide a great introduction to the game's core mechanics. While they are less complex than the original Spirits, they are still quite powerful and provide plenty of strategic depth. I especially enjoyed the thematic elements, which are beautifully presented through the artwork and the game's story.

I do agree with some reviewers that the components, while functional, are not as high-quality as those found in the original game. The board feels a bit flimsy and the cardboard tokens aren't as durable. However, considering the low price point, the quality is still acceptable.

Overall, I highly recommend Horizons of Spirit Island to anyone who is looking for a challenging and rewarding cooperative game experience. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master, offering plenty of replayability. If you're hesitant about diving into the full Spirit Island experience, Horizons is a great place to start.