Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those looking for a quick card-filling game with a mix of luck and strategy. Great as a filler!
Highlights
- Simple and fast rules
- Pleasant tactile components
- Constant tension during draws
- Dynamic gameplay
Keep in mind
- Considerable reliance on luck
- Low direct player interaction
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Imagine you are an aspiring sorcerer striving for certification. To achieve this, you must open magical portals, and the only way to do so is by crystallizing the correct Animus Spiritus. In Via Magica (the updated version of the classic Rise of Augustus), the gameplay is fast-paced and tense. You start with a few objective cards, each requiring specific symbols to be completed. The twist? Symbols are drawn from a bag, and every player receives the same symbol simultaneously. The core of the game lies in risk management: some symbols are more common than others, so you must decide whether to go for easy, quick objectives or gamble on difficult goals that offer far greater rewards.
The game is a constant exercise in prioritization. Whenever you complete a portal, you pick a new objective from the available options, trying to build the most efficient path to be the first to open 7 portals. It's the kind of game where you find yourself desperately hoping the next drawn crystal is exactly the one you need to close your card. The simplicity of the rules hides an interesting layer of probability and quick decision-making. If you enjoy card-filling games with a touch of 'will I get lucky this time?', this is the perfect choice. It's fast, visually appealing, and ideal for those who want something light but still rewarding in terms of strategic choices.
The game is a constant exercise in prioritization. Whenever you complete a portal, you pick a new objective from the available options, trying to build the most efficient path to be the first to open 7 portals. It's the kind of game where you find yourself desperately hoping the next drawn crystal is exactly the one you need to close your card. The simplicity of the rules hides an interesting layer of probability and quick decision-making. If you enjoy card-filling games with a touch of 'will I get lucky this time?', this is the perfect choice. It's fast, visually appealing, and ideal for those who want something light but still rewarding in terms of strategic choices.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
BEST
4
BEST
5
REC
6
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Hurrican, MINDOK, Oliphante, Rebel Sp. z o.o., Reflexshop
Designer
Paolo Mori
Artist
Biboun, Camille Chaussy, Jean-Baptiste Reynaud, Jérémie Fleury, Mathieu Leyssenne, Paul Mafayon, Régis Torres
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
2,799owners
504wishlist
62want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game complex to learn?
Not at all! The rules are very simple, and you can explain it to your group in just a few minutes.
How long does a game last?
It's quite fast, usually lasting around 30 minutes, making it a perfect opener for game night.
Does it work well with any number of players?
Yes, it scales well from 2 to 6 players, keeping the draw dynamic consistent for everyone.
Is it suitable for children?
Definitely. Since it's a filling and luck-based game, it's a great way to introduce kids to the hobby.
Is the game heavily luck-dependent?
Yes, the draws are random, but the strategy comes in choosing which objectives you decide to pursue.
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