12 Moons
- Designer Marc Di Stefano
- Publisher mindlink games
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In 12 Moons, each player controls six animals from the Native American Zodiac on a hexagonal board of 19 circles. The goal is to move one of your animals into your opponent’s Gate located at their end. You spawn animals on your side and move them by stepping into adjacent circles or jumping over your own pieces. You can capture opponent’s animals by jumping over them. The game is simple, fast, and usually lasts under 20 minutes.
Who Is This Game For?
12 Moons is designed for two players aged 9 and up. It is an accessible strategy game with a short playtime of about 20 minutes, ideal for those who enjoy quick abstract duels. No prior experience is required, making it suitable for casual and experienced players alike.
How It Works
Players start with no pieces on the board and must spawn their six animals in designated spawn circles on their side. Animals move by stepping onto adjacent free circles or by jumping over friendly pieces. Opponent’s pieces can be captured by jumping over them. The objective is to reach the opponent’s Gate with one of your animals.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Marc Di Stefano, 12 Moons is a compact and fast abstract strategy game. It belongs to a family including Junishi and Zodiakos, with which it can be combined. Its simple rules and thematic integration into a series make it unique among abstract games.
Pro
- Short playtime under 20 minutes
- Easy to learn rules
- Compact components, portable
- Part of a themed game family with combinable titles
Contra
- Only for two players
- Lacks complex mechanics for experts
- Limited depth due to short duration
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is themed around the 12 animals of the Native American Zodiac, played on an abstract hexagonal board of 19 circles. The mythology theme adds flavor without a deep narrative.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on positioning your animals strategically and use jumping moves to advance toward the opponent’s Gate.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, 12 Moons is strictly a two-player game.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts under 20 minutes, perfect for quick sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is simple and quick to learn; no prior experience needed.
How does this compare to similar games?
12 Moons is part of a series including Junishi and Zodiakos and can be combined with them for expanded play.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 9 and simple rules, it is suitable for families with some gaming experience.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its core mechanic revolves around abstract movement and jumping without complex additional systems.
Fazit
12 Moons is recommended for fans of quick abstract strategy games for two players. It suits those looking for short, direct confrontations without lengthy setup.