Ion: A Compound Building Game

Genius Games, (Web published), Broadway Toys LTD · Board game · 2015
7.6 Ludopedia 6.3 BGG 2–7 · best 4 20–40 min Weight 1.4/5
Buy · from US$ 10.58
7.6 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Ion is a charming and educational card game that will delight those who enjoy learning while having fun! If you're looking for a light, quick experience with a well-explored theme, go for it!

Highlights
  • Fun chemistry learning
  • Quick and strategic
  • Easy to learn
  • Great for families
Keep in mind
  • Theme might not appeal
  • Draft luck can matter
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey board game enthusiasts! Let's talk about Ion: A Compound Building Game. This is a really cool card game where we get to play as tabletop chemists, you know? The goal is to combine ion and noble gas cards to form stable compounds and, perhaps, even some inert noble gases to secure points. Each round, you draw some cards, pick one for yourself, and pass the rest. That's where the strategy comes in: you decide whether to bond your chosen card with another to form a compound or hold onto it for later. It's a game that blends open drafting with pattern building and set collection, all at a pace that keeps you engaged. There are objective cards that award bonus points for specific compounds you create, and action tiles that give you an extra boost. After three rounds, whoever has the best chemistry and accumulated the most points wins. It's a quick game with straightforward rules, ideal for those who enjoy a light challenge and want to learn a bit about chemistry without feeling like they're in a lecture. Perfect for playing with family or friends who don't want a super complex game but appreciate good strategy. The production quality is neat, and the theme is well-explored, making the experience quite immersive. If you like card games that require some planning and have an educational touch, Ion might become your new tabletop favorite!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–7 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 REC
7 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Series: Science Games (Genius Games) Theme: Chemistry Theme: Science
Publisher Genius Games, (Web published), Broadway Toys LTD, Ediciones MasQueOca
Designer John Coveyou
Artist Tomasz Bogusz

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,446owners
200wishlist
24want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime for Ion: A Compound Building Game?
A game of Ion typically lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, making it quite dynamic.
How many players can participate?
The game is for 2 to 7 players, making it quite versatile for different group sizes.
Is Ion a difficult game to learn?
No, the complexity is low (1.35/5 on BGG). The rules are simple and the game flows quickly after the first round.
Is there a lot of text dependency in the game?
Language dependency is minimal. There's little text on the cards, and the symbols are intuitive, making them easy to memorize.
Is it a good game to introduce people to the hobby?
Absolutely! It's a great entry point because it's educational, fast-paced, and has easy-to-grasp rules.
What are the main components of the game?
The game primarily consists of Ion cards, Noble Gas cards, Objective cards, and Action Tiles.
Is the chemistry theme very present and complex?
The chemistry theme is well-explored in a playful and simplified way, making learning accessible and fun without being overly technical.

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