Solium Infernum review: Prime Multiplayer infernal board game
The tale of your time in Solium Infernum will mostly be your own creation. The Devil has ruled the gloomy wastes of Hell for millennia but has suddenly vanished. The realm of Solium Infernum, inspired by mediaeval and current conceptions of perpetual punishment, is a complex civilization with several factions competing for control of the now-vacant crown.
As with any strategy game, there are several principles to discuss. There are several ways to win a game of Solium Infernum, the most common being an election victory. After a certain number of turns, the Assembly of the Conclave meets to proclaim the player with the highest prestige the winner. However, certain relics can steal victory right at the end of the game if specific criteria are satisfied, which is why intelligence and reconnaissance are so important in Solium Infernum.
Each player selects one Archfiend with unique skills, and they can also equip that Archfiend with an item that stays concealed until it’s used, providing them a hidden trump card that they can use when the cards are really tight. Every one of these evil beings vying to be the next shepherd in hell has a unique way of playing, and they are all equally good.
Similar to an online board game, Solium Infernum is best enjoyed in groups of friends. Six players compete for the title in these games. With difficulty settings tailored to each Archfiend’s aims and character, you may even play alone. It may seem intimidating at first. There’s a lot going on, with distinct playstyles for each archfiend and several avenues to climb the ranks via tricking, killing, and betraying others. Knowing your opponents and the turn order is essential to winning since in Hell, knowledge truly is power. That makes for a very fun game.
But before you can really begin to appreciate Solium Infernum, there are still a few major obstacles to overcome. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each of the eight Archfiends is still a challenging undertaking, despite the tutorial’s excellent explanation of the game’s fundamental ideas.
Every action you do is connected to one of your limited options, so you must carefully consider each step to make sure you’re acting appropriately.The fact that every other player is organising their moves at the same time as you does adds to the intrigue. Every round functions more like a planning meeting before everything happens all at once in a rotating order determined by the current Regent of the conclave. When you advance units in to assault, only for them to flee first because they had the right of way for that turn, this might gradually alter how each game unfolds.
All of the available Archfiends are endowed with five Powers, which are modifiable characteristics that provide specific skills. The winning condition you aim for will depend on how you level up these trees. Users of Wrath desire to flaunt its military might. The main goals of deceit are to conceal and steal. Prophecy aims to increase defences and advance knowledge. Chaos and devastation are brought about by destruction, and charm is employed to subtly influence political outcomes. Since diplomacy seems to be the primary factor behind the game’s winning criteria, it is up to you how you choose to play your faction off the others. This may lead to some uncomfortable situations.
Your economy is made up of tokens, which you obtain from drawing tribute. Unlike any other strategy game, Solium Infernum has a unique economic structure. Tokens come in four varieties, and you’ll need them to buy units , generals, buffs, spells, and strength boosts for your Archfiend. Since everything must be bought with less than eight tokens, you frequently have to mix tokens to pay for items, and you have no control over the kinds of tokens you receive from tributes.
For individuals who are unable to dedicate several hours to a game at a time, the addition of asynchronous multiplayer is sure to be beneficial.
All things considered, Solium Infernum is a fantastic choice for gatherings of friends who like board games and/or strategy. The sense of accomplishment is great.
