Odin's Ravens
- Designer Thorsten Gimmler
- Publisher KOSMOS , Rio Grande Games , Tilsit
- Illustration Johan Egerkrans , Anke Pohl , Thilo Rick , Andreas Steiner
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Odin's Ravens, two players each control a raven racing across separate tracks made of landscape cards. Players use cards from their own decks to advance their ravens by matching terrain types. Odin cards enable special actions like rearranging the track or hindering the opponent. The game ends when a raven reaches the finish; points are scored based on the distance between the ravens. Strategic hand management and clever card play decide the winner.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for two players aged 10 and up, Odin's Ravens is an accessible strategy game with short 30-minute rounds. Some experience with hand management or racing games is helpful, but the rules remain approachable. It's ideal for players seeking quick, tactical duels.
How It Works
Each player has a personal deck and plays matching landscape cards to move their raven along the track (Map Addition, Track Movement). Odin cards provide special actions such as rearranging the track or blocking the opponent. A separate 'Magic Way' area rewards playing certain cards with bonus points (Score-and-Reset Game). The race ends when a raven reaches the goal; distances between ravens determine scoring.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Thorsten Gimmler, Odin's Ravens was nominated for the 2002 Meeples Choice Award and won the 2003 International Gamers Award for Two-Player General Strategy. It uniquely combines hand management and racing mechanics with a Norse mythology theme featuring Odin's ravens Huginn and Muninn. It belongs to the family of two-player animal and mythology games.
Awards
2003
- 2002 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Short playtime around 30 minutes
- Combines hand management with racing mechanics
- Strong Norse mythology theme
- Winner of the 2003 International Gamers Award
Contra
- Only playable with two players
- Limited complexity for expert gamers
- Requires some tactical understanding despite age 10+
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in Norse mythology on the world of Midgard, Odin's Ravens follows the flight of Huginn and Muninn as they race across diverse landscapes.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on managing your hand efficiently and planning your moves while keeping track of the race progress.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Odin's Ravens is designed exclusively for two players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 30 minutes, suitable for quick sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic familiarity with hand management and racing games helps, but rules are beginner-friendly.
How does this compare to similar games?
Odin's Ravens uniquely blends hand management and racing with a Norse mythology theme.
Is this suitable for families?
Suitable for ages 10+, best for families with some gaming experience.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its combination of hand management, map addition, and race mechanics defines its gameplay.
Fazit
Odin's Ravens is a well-balanced two-player card game with a short playtime. Recommended for fans of tactical racing and hand management games looking for a thematic experience.
