Paul Shabatowski
Canada
Stittsville
Ontario
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It appears that I am getting close to critical mass in my collection. I truly believe that there is a mathematical equation that balances board game collection size in proportion to the annoyance of my significant other. In light of this undiscovered equation I made the decision to slow down my acquisitions. Luna was a purchase I made when I first discovered that my games collection is beggining to get too large.
With this being Halloween weekend I had to base the choices that I would bring to my gaming group around the more esoteric choices in my collection. Before I go any furhter I would like to say that I number mysfelf around the few that really does not enjoy Arkham Horror. I am a major Lovecraft fan but the game does not embody my view of the Cthulu mythos.
I chose Luna due to the pagan theme and the allure of a well liked worker placement game made this a definite choice for October.
Components
Luna has one of the most interesting game boards that I have encountered. Well, I guess you cannot really say game board, rather game boards. The central island requires assembly of five pieces which represent a path, central temple and dock all of which are vital to game play. Four central pieces are placed according to the number of players and each piece determines the starting order with space values beginning from 1 to 4. Those numbered spaces are surrounded by higher numbers which factor into later gameplay. The central island is surrounded by seven smaller holy isles, each of which comprises a turn action. The four colours are well defined, consisting of temples, meeples and single token. The other components are round discs which represent paths to the central temple, guard tokens placed on the path and defending against selection of higher value discs, Candle tokens that regulate round duration and figures representing the current mooon goddess, apostate and master builder. All of the components are sturdy construction. A "beginner" setup lists the placement of each players meeples, temples and the the figures. The isles are double sided so as to allow the advanced players to break away from the predertimened placements. Chits are placed on each isle, representing the successful selection of that isle's action. Players are limited to owning a single chit of each action at any one time.
Gameplay
The object of the game is to accumulate the most influence points and to be the individual that selects the next moon goddess. Mechanics are light on rules, massive in choice and incredibly strategic both in sequence and selection. It reuires two meeples on an island to initiate the action on that island (one if you construct a shrine). I won't go into the 14 possible actions because that would be an exercise in writing the rulebook. I will, however, break them out into movement, temple and helper actions. Selecting the actions reminds me of Agricola in the myriad of worker placement actions. The ultimate aim is to populate the central temple and maximize influence points.
Conclusion
I really enjoyed this game. My friends around the table demanded that I leave the game with them so that they may play it next weekend (I will be away). I sense a minor similarity to Agricola due to the plethora of worker placement options but, unlike Agricola, each player can take many actions so long as the "candles burn". I really like the mechanism of the candles that regulate the duration of a round. I feel that it is the manipulation of this coupled with the timing of populating the central temple that will ultimately maximize influence points.
The turns are quick once you understand the actions. The actions are easy to understand once you know all of them. The enjoyment of the game for me is massive: relatively simple rules, lots of choice and massive strategy.
It is a valuable addition to my collection. Well done Mr. Feld.
Thank you for reading this review. Feedback is welcome.
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Matthew Mesina
United States
Bethel Park
Pennsylvania
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Just yesterday I obtained this OOP gem. I found a FLGS that had a single copy! My friends were in the vicinity (At the Comic Book Store.) So, I asked them to pick it up. The owner let them in after hours and gave them 10% off. I was very happy.
I get by with a little help from my friends. :)
I should mention this was Games Unlimited in the Squirrel hill area near Pittsburgh. Puttin' the "F" in FLGS.
As an aside, my Favorite Halloween Games are Castle Ravenloft, Betrayal at House on the Hill, and Dominion with a creepy themed, attack-laden supply. Never tried the FFG Lovecraft games, but Elder Sign is lookin' good.
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Andy Kerslake
United Kingdom
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
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Yup, I have to agree - great game and one I will happily play anytime. I am keen to try the random island set up as have only played the suggested to date. Everyone I have played with has also really enjoyed it. It is a clever game which the mechanics click together perfectly so people can pick it up quickly. Certainly not a gateway game, but one gamers will definately enjoy.
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Jay Kiley
United States
Pennsylvania
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soberman wrote: Just yesterday I obtained this OOP gem. I found a FLGS that had a single copy! My friends were in the vicinity (At the Comic Book Store.) So, I asked them to pick it up. The owner let them in after hours and gave them 10% off. I was very happy. I get by with a little help from my friends.  I should mention this was Games Unlimited in the Squirrel hill area near Pittsburgh. Puttin' the "F" in FLGS. As an aside, my Favorite Halloween Games are Castle Ravenloft, Betrayal at House on the Hill, and Dominion with a creepy themed, attack-laden supply. Never tried the FFG Lovecraft games, but Elder Sign is lookin' good.
Great to hear from a fellow Pittsburgh gamer!!
Anyways, I love Games Unlimited! Even with 5 good game stores in the Pittsburgh area, GU gets the vast majority of my business. Bob, Kylie & Co. are fantastic guys. I'm there weekly.
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Paul Shabatowski
Canada
Stittsville
Ontario
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May I say "Go Steelers"? Or would that get me flogged? I have been a big fan since I was a little guy.
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Jay Kiley
United States
Pennsylvania
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Paul Shabatowski wrote: May I say "Go Steelers"? Or would that get me flogged? I have been a big fan since I was a little guy.
Why would you get flogged for cheering for the greatest sports franchise in the history of sports franchises?
Edit: I decided to give myself a hearty thumbs up on this.
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