Spirit Island
- Designer R. Eric Reuss
- Publisher Greater Than Games, LLC , 999 Games , Ace Studios , Arrakis Games , BoardM Factory
- Illustration Jason Behnke , Loïc Berger , Loïc Billiau , Kat G Birmelin , Cari Corene , Lucas Durham
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play a spirit with unique elemental powers, choosing power cards simultaneously to repel invaders. The game blends thematic conflict with deck/pool-building and growth mechanics: you gain energy, Grow to reclaim or gain powers, and expand presence on a map while invaders explore, build, and ravage. The game escalates over time and rewards coordinated play and planning for slower effects.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at hobby and cooperative groups who enjoy deeper strategy; suitable for ages 13+ and 1–4 players, so solo play is possible. Typical games take about 120 minutes, making it better for longer game nights than quick sessions.
How It Works
Spirit Island is a cooperative, campaign/battle-card driven game with deck/pool-building and action retrieval elements. Players pick power cards, pay energy, and use combinations of elemental affinities for bonuses. Spirits Grow to recover cards, gain new powers, and spread presence; the Invader phase then proceeds through explore, build, and ravage steps across the island map.
What Makes It Special
Designed by R. Eric Reuss, Spirit Island mixes Area Majority/Influence and cooperative mechanics with a strong thematic premise. It won Board Game Quest Awards Best Coop Game (2017) and received several nominations that year, including Golden Geek nods for artwork and cooperative design.
Awards
2017
- 2017 Board Game Quest Awards Best Coop Game — Winner
- 2017 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2017 Cardboard Republic Striker Laurel — Nominated
Pro
- Deep thematic integration with mechanics
- Varied spirit abilities enable different playstyles
- Solo play supported
- Escalating challenge across a session
Contra
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Long playtime (~120 minutes) requires commitment
Setting & Atmosphäre
A mystical island threatened by colonial powers; spirits of land and sky defend native islanders and the natural balance. Categories include Environmental, Fantasy and Mythology.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on basic synergies between powers and presence expansion; anticipate delayed effects and coordinate with teammates.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. Spirit Island supports solo play (1 player is listed).
How long does a game really take?
Duration is about 120 minutes; budget extra time for setup and rule explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is geared toward experienced players; familiarity with planning and cooperative play helps.
How does this compare to similar games?
It combines simultaneous card choices, area influence, and deck/pool-building in a dense thematic coop, distinguishing it from lighter cooperative titles.
Is this suitable for families?
With a recommended age of 13+ and considerable complexity, it's better for older family members or experienced groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
Notable mechanics include Cooperative Game, Deck/Bag/Pool Building, and Area Majority/Influence.
Fazit
Highly recommended for players who like deep cooperative strategy and willing to invest learning time. Casual groups seeking short games may find the complexity and length prohibitive.
