Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those who love strategic games with immersive themes and innovative components.
Highlights
- Captivating and mysterious theme
- Very creative book mechanic
- Great balance of coop and competition
- High-quality components
Keep in mind
- Slightly steep learning curve
- Games can run long
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ever wondered what it's like to tackle one of history's greatest mysteries? The Voynich Puzzle casts you as a scholar attempting to decode the Voynich Manuscript, that bizarre medieval tome that has defied linguists for centuries. Is it an otherworldly botanical guide, a secret alchemical code, or perhaps the most elaborate hoax in history? The mystery is deep, and the challenge is even deeper.
In this game, each player possesses their own copy of the book, which functions as both your player board and your action center. The dynamic is fascinating: while there is a competitive race to see who accumulates the most knowledge, there is a strong element of collective effort. As the group's overall understanding of the manuscript grows, everyone benefits, unlocking new capabilities and allowing you to rotate or flip the cards in your book to access more powerful actions.
On your turn, you select a double-page spread and execute the actions printed on them. The manuscript is split into five primary sections: botany, astrology, baths, writing, and recipes. The key to victory lies in balancing your individual pursuit of knowledge with your contributions to the collective puzzle. The more you decipher, the better your endgame scoring options and the more efficient your turns become.
The game concludes when a player's marker reaches the 52nd space. To ensure fairness, the round is completed so everyone has an equal number of turns, followed by one final turn for all players before the final scoring. If you enjoy strategic games where resource management blends with a sense of discovery, this title is perfect for you. Get ready to dive into mysterious pages and attempt to write the final chapter of this medieval enigma!
In this game, each player possesses their own copy of the book, which functions as both your player board and your action center. The dynamic is fascinating: while there is a competitive race to see who accumulates the most knowledge, there is a strong element of collective effort. As the group's overall understanding of the manuscript grows, everyone benefits, unlocking new capabilities and allowing you to rotate or flip the cards in your book to access more powerful actions.
On your turn, you select a double-page spread and execute the actions printed on them. The manuscript is split into five primary sections: botany, astrology, baths, writing, and recipes. The key to victory lies in balancing your individual pursuit of knowledge with your contributions to the collective puzzle. The more you decipher, the better your endgame scoring options and the more efficient your turns become.
The game concludes when a player's marker reaches the 52nd space. To ensure fairness, the round is completed so everyone has an equal number of turns, followed by one final turn for all players before the final scoring. If you enjoy strategic games where resource management blends with a sense of discovery, this title is perfect for you. Get ready to dive into mysterious pages and attempt to write the final chapter of this medieval enigma!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
OK
2
REC
3
BEST
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Salt & Pepper Games, Frosted Games, Pixie Games, Rawstone
Designer
Dani Garcia
Artist
Jorge Tabanera Redondo
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,909owners
1,154wishlist
116want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game very complex?
It's categorized as an 'expert' game (weight 3.88), so it requires careful attention to rules and strategic planning. Not for total beginners, but Eurogame fans will love it.
How long does a game take?
Expect to spend between 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the group's experience and the number of players.
Does it work well in solo mode?
Yes, the game supports 1 to 4 players, allowing you to attempt to decipher the manuscript on your own.
Do I need historical knowledge to play?
Not at all! The theme is inspired by real history, but all rules and deciphering logic are provided in the manual.
What is the 'book' mechanic?
Your board is literally a book where you rotate and flip cards to change available actions, simulating the process of deciphering pages.
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