Grimoire
- Designer Hayato Kisaragi
- Publisher Arclight Games , Japon Brand , One Draw , Schmidt Spiele , Z-Man Games
- Illustration Matthias Catrein , Eckhard Freytag , Keita Komiyama , Shusaku Kondo
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Grimoire, players secretly select spells from their spellbook each round, which then resolve from weakest to strongest. These spells influence card selection and scoring, involving characters and treasures. Different editions have varied end conditions, with games typically lasting about 30 minutes. The game blends strategy and simultaneous action selection in a magical anime-inspired theme.
Who Is This Game For?
Grimoire is aimed at families and hobby gamers aged 12 and up who enjoy quick, tactical card games with fantasy themes. It supports 2 to 5 players but does not include a solo mode. The rules are clear, having won the Essener Feder award, suitable for players with some experience.
How It Works
Each round, cards with victory points or characters are revealed. Players simultaneously choose a spell using open drafting, which resolve from lowest to highest strength. Weaker spells can modify stronger ones, affecting the card selection order. Players collect sets of character and treasure cards to score points. The game ends after a set number of rounds or when a player collects enough cards, depending on the edition.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Hayato Kisaragi, Grimoire won the Essener Feder for Best Written Rules and the Graf Ludo Award for Best Family Game Graphics in 2012. It combines open drafting, set collection, and simultaneous action selection within a fantasy and anime-themed card game. Different versions add variety with altered end conditions and components.
Pro
- Combination of open drafting and set collection mechanics
- Short playtime around 30 minutes
- Award-winning clear rules (Essener Feder 2012)
- Strong fantasy and anime theme
Contra
- No solo mode, requires 2-5 players
- Less suitable for younger players under 12
- Different editions have varying end conditions that may confuse
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in a fantasy world of wizards and spells, drawing inspiration from anime and manga. Players wield a magical spellbook to cast their powers.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding spell effects and watch opponents' choices to adapt your strategy effectively.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Grimoire is designed for 2 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts around 30 minutes, making it suitable for quick sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is recommended for players aged 12+ with some experience in tactical card games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Grimoire stands out by combining open drafting with simultaneous action selection in a fantasy setting.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it won an award for family game graphics but is better suited for older children and up.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its mix of open drafting, set collection, and simultaneous action selection creates dynamic gameplay.
Fazit
Grimoire offers a compact, tactical fantasy card game experience best suited for players seeking quick yet strategic gameplay with magical elements.
