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Deep in the northern realm lies Mezen, a place where the skies blend seamlessly from day to night. Here, the beauty of nature led to the birth of the enchanting Mezen painting. Drawing inspiration from this art, the game Mezen offers players a chance to become northern artisans.
👥 1-5 players, ages 8+
⌛ Playing time: 30 minutes
📝 Designer: Nikita Sorokin
🎨 Artwork: Mariya Stankevich
🏢 Publisher: Hobby World (Review copy provided)
https://hobbyworldint.com/
🎴 In the game, players embark on a journey spanning ten rounds. Each round presents players with a challenge revealed through a goal card. This card provides insights into ways that can earn players their desired Victory Points. For instance, a goal card might specify earning 3 Victory Points for every tile with a certain symbol placed in designated positions. Another card might reward points for pairs of neighboring tiles with specific symbols. And while players are engrossed in the current round’s goal, they’re also given a glimpse into what the next round holds in store for them.
🎨 The heart of the game revolves around the choice of symbols. An Active Player selects a symbol, and all players must then select a group of the chosen symbol in their 5×5 grid. Here’s where the game throws in a twist: a player can diverge by offering an amulet to the active player. This amulet not only grants the liberty to choose a different symbol but also plays a role in the game’s strategy, as an amulet can be strategically placed on a tile to bridge tile groups or shield a tile from being included in a group.
🔄 After this strategic placement and selecting a group of tiles, players must then maneuver their tiles. The tiles are removed, flipped, and placed aside momentarily. The ensuing void in the painting is filled by moving the remaining tiles down and introducing the flipped ones back into the new empty spots. This dynamic movement sets the stage for the culmination of the round: counting Victory Points.
🏆 Players garner points by aligning their actions with the goal card’s requirements. However, if a player feels that the points don’t serve their larger strategy, they can exchange them for two amulets. This decision can be crucial, especially since there’s a special scoring phase after the fifth round. Tiles with their dark side up offer additional points. As the game concludes in the tenth round, light-facing tiles, leftover amulets, and their most extensive group of adjacent identical tiles provide extra points that might tilt the game in a player’s favor.
Designed by Nikita Sorokin and published by Hobby World, Mezen accommodates 1-5 players, creating a setting that ranges from strategic duels to bustling group dynamics and even solo adventures. At its heart, it’s a family game, blending a simple yet puzzly gameplay that’s accessible for everyone, including children as young as 8.
🎨 Mariya Stankevich’s artwork is truly something to admire. The unique look, coupled with top-notch graphic design, roots players deep in the ambiance of the northern Mezen realm. Each component, from the tiles to the game board, resonates with the theme, captivating players’ attention from start to finish.
🧩 The game mechanics are streamlined. Players venture through ten rounds, each revealing a new goal card that sets the strategy for that round. This dynamic keeps players constantly engaged, as they not only react to the present round but also anticipate the next. The clear 5×5 grid layout makes gameplay intuitive, ensuring players spend their time strategizing rather than deciphering the board.
👥 In a two-player setting, the game heightens in strategic depth. With only one opponent, each symbol selection and tile placement becomes a meticulous decision. Introduce more players, and the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and free-spirited, as it’s harder to track everyone’s moves.
🤔 The core of Mezen lies in its strategic decision-making, especially with symbols and the multi-functional amulets. Amulets play a central role in connecting tile groups, changing symbols, or saving them for those crucial end-game Victory Points. However, with every reward comes a risk. The randomness of returning tiles might upset those with a strictly strategic mindset. Likewise, some goal cards might inadvertently favor certain players, but that’s where the charm of Mezen lies. It’s a blend of strategy and chance.
⏳ While Mezen is rich in strategy and player engagement, it doesn’t sideline the importance of pacing. Many phases occur simultaneously, keeping the gameplay flowing and usually wrapping up within the promised 30-minute playtime.
🔄 However, potential players should note that the game might stretch longer if you spend a lot of time over-analyzing each move. But, with varied goal cards and the unpredictability of opponents, every game session feels refreshing and unique.
🌟 In conclusion, Mezen is a delightful puzzle of a game, sure to appeal to families and those who appreciate well-themed, strategic, yet accessible gameplay. If you love puzzly games and enjoy quality time with loved ones, Mezen is a worthy addition to your collection.
📝 Disclaimer: We received a review copy of Mezen from the publisher, Hobby World.
