Wouter & Ymke 
Elios is an abstract game created by Philippe Proux and released by Helvetiq. It’s designed for a quick play, suitable for 2-4 players, and wraps up in about 15 minutes.
🌈 The game comes packed with 40 beams in 8 colors, 4 joker beams, 9 discs to build your ‘sun’, and a bag to mix things up. Your goal? Be the first to arrange all your beams into a dazzling display.
🔧 Set-up’s a breeze: Stack two discs in the middle, radiate beams around to form your base ‘sun’, and pull beams from the bag to start forming strategic groups. Remember, no doubling up colors in a group!
⏳ Once you’re set, the game kicks off with the last-to-finish grouping that must lead with a joker beam. Turns go clockwise, offering a choice: expand your ‘sun’, add a disc to build up, or break down a group for more options. It’s all about making smart moves and adjusting on the fly.
💭 Despite its compact size, Elios is surprisingly deep. It’s easy to learn but offers a real mental workout as you try to outmaneuver your opponents. The wooden components are not only durable but add a tactile pleasure to play, and as the game progresses, the growing ‘sun’ creates a visually stunning centerpiece on the table. It’s the kind of game that invites everyone, from beginners to seasoned gamers, for a quick dive into strategy and fun. After a few rounds, you’ll find yourself plotting moves ahead, eager to see the sun’s final form. Indeed, Elios turns a simple concept into an engaging battle of wits.
📝 Disclaimer: We received a review copy of the game from Helvetiq.
