Inis

Inis is a truly unique and captivating game that has quickly become a favorite in my collection. The Celtic theme, beautiful artwork, and clever mechanics all work together to create a truly immersive experience.

I was initially drawn to Inis by the stunning artwork and the promise of a game deeply rooted in Celtic history and lore. The components are top-notch, with high-quality cardboard, beautifully designed tokens, and stunning artwork on the cards. The game board itself is cleverly designed and adds to the visual appeal.

The gameplay is surprisingly deep for a game that's relatively easy to learn. Players draft action cards to perform a variety of actions, including adding clans, moving clans, building, exploring, and even engaging in combat. The core mechanic of drafting cards creates a constant sense of tension and intrigue, as players try to predict what cards their opponents have in hand. The card drafting system is brilliant, as it constantly keeps the game fresh and unpredictable. You never know what will happen next, and that’s what makes it so exciting.

While there is a combat system, Inis is not your typical "dudes on a map" war game. The combat is often more strategic than brutal, and players can choose to focus on other victory conditions. The three unique victory conditions add another layer of depth to the game, as players can choose to pursue different paths to victory.

The game shines with 3 or 4 players, and the interactions between players are a key part of the experience. While it can be played with two players, I would recommend sticking to the higher player counts for the most engaging experience.

One thing that sets Inis apart from other games is its high level of replayability. The random card draw, different victory conditions, and the ability for players to adjust their strategy on the fly all ensure that no two games are the same.

I have found that Inis is a great game for both experienced gamers and those who are new to the hobby. It is easy to learn but offers plenty of strategic depth for seasoned players. I highly recommend Inis to anyone looking for a unique, engaging, and beautiful game with a rich Celtic theme.