Game Review- INIS, a Game of Celtic History and Lore

INIS is a boardgame that came out last year and was nominated for game of the year 2016 and 2017. It's from the French company Matagot Games, the makers of Kemet and Scythe, both fun and popular games.

From Matagot:

"At the head of your ship, you eagerly search for any sign of land. As you peer through the dissipating mist, it finally gives way to the silhouette of cliffs—you have arrived at your new home. Now your clans can partake in a new era of prosperity. Rival chieftains also set sail for this same land, and soon the time will come to hold the Great Council and elect the High King of Inis."

The game has a strong theme of Celtic Lore and it is beautifully reflected in the artwork; one of the highlights of the game. So me and three friends decided to sit down and give it a try. Instead of hitting the clubs like we normally do.

INIS is similar to Kemet in that it is a contest between players claiming territories and using special abilities on cards and tiles for that purpose as well as for combat. Like in Kemet, there are no dice or resources to manage. For example, in games like Scythe, Food Chain Magnate, Energy Empire, Raiders of the North Sea, Concordia... you manage resources like wood, oil, iron, money, etc. and that is a big part of winning. That can be a little dry for some people, like it's too much work and slows down gameplay, so if that's you, you might like games like INIS and Kemet.

INIS is a fairly simple game, here are some nice game mechanics:

1. The board consists of large tiles, the tiles represent different locations, and they are laid out differently every game. Similar to Settlers of Catan, but better.
2. Each player manages their "clan". You place your clan people on the board and move them around trying to meet win criteria.
3. Each player holds a hand of cards with different abilities that allow you to act on the board.

To win, from Boardgame Geek:

1. Leadership: Be the leader — i.e., have more clan figures than any other player — of territories containing at least six opponents' clans.
2. Land: Have your clans present in at least six different territories.
3. Religion: Have your clans present in territories that collectively contain at least six sanctuaries.

You can see the nice, chunky plastic structures, good looking plastic people, and tile artwork.

Beautiful card design.

My opinion: INIS is a fun game, 2-4 players, 1-2hours, ages 14+, it's got simple rules, but complex strategy, highly competetive, and mechanics that keep the game fun.

The only negative thing I have to say about it is that, although the rules are simple, it is strategy heavy. So anyone can play, but the many winning conditions(listed above) mean that you have to keep track of a lot of what's happening with everyone's pieces, and if you don't you may be surprised when someone wins abruptly. I think that's why it's age 14+ instead of 10+.

If you've played a lot of boardgames you'll love it, if not it will take a few play throughs to really get into it.

In summary:

You will like this game if you appreciate:

1. Beautiful artwork, the characters, theme, and drawing style are inspired.
2. Clever mechanics that make for fast, fun, and easy gameplay
3. Comparable games: Kemet, Settlers of Catan, Cosmic Encounter, Mission Red Planet

This game might not be for you if:

1. You want resource management: games like Concordia, Food Chain Magnate, Scythe
2. You want cooperative games: games like Pandemic, Zombicide, or Eldritch Horror
3. You like rolling dice

I've got more game reviews coming up, next up are Sherelock Holmes: Consulting Detectives and Mysterium. Possibly Zombicide or Eldritch Horror. Too many games, too little time.

Rocket would rather watch TV.

Thanks for reading!