Ichor is an asymmetric strategy game where one player controls Greek gods while the other commands mythological monsters in a battle for supremacy. Each character has unique once-per-game abilities, creating varied gameplay with strategic depth similar to games like Santorini.
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The Verdict
based on 14 reviews
The reviewer highly praises "Ichor" as a tight and strategic abstract game where every move is crucial. They appreciate its quick playtime, the variety of unique gods and monsters, and its clean design with excellent symbology and reference aids, making it an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.
The reviewer highly praises Ichor, finding it a nearly perfect and wickedly addictive abstract game that delivers on balance and fun, surpassing other similar Knizia titles.
The reviewer found Ichor to be a very solid and effective abstract strategy game, highlighting its smooth gameplay and overall satisfying experience, even expressing a preference for it over Iliad.
“Reiner Knizia’s Ichor is indeed a divine thing, strenuous in its elevation, potentially out of reach for mere mortals such as myself, but also offering a gripping and fierce contest. I want to play it again right now.”
The reviewer highly praises Ichor, noting its fast, fierce, and instinctive gameplay with impactful one-time powers that add a spicy layer without overcomplicating rules. They consider it an excellent two-player duel that holds its own alongside classic abstract games.
Reviewers found 'Ichor' to be a fantastic and surprisingly enjoyable two-player abstract strategy game with a strong mythological theme, praising its clever core mechanics, replayability, and stellar production despite some familiarity in its core loop.
“The reviewer praises the game as a beautiful, fast-paced, and accessible duel that is simple yet dramatic. While they note it has less strategic depth than its companion game, Iliad, they consider it a worthy addition to any collection for its disruptive fun.”
“This review describes the game as a tense and tactical duel where every move has consequences, elevated by sharp, one-use powers. It's positioned as a thinky and sometimes cruel game that rewards timing and a willingness to be mean, and it doesn't mask skill gaps between players.”
The reviewer finds Ichor to be a solid abstract strategy game offering a satisfying tactical experience as players adapt their defensive and offensive strategies. However, they noted that the endgame can feel somewhat anticlimactic, and there are some minor component limitations.
The reviewer found Ichor to be a good, satisfying abstract strategy game with interesting player powers and variability. However, it is somewhat hindered by initial onboarding challenges, minor component issues, and an occasionally anticlimactic endgame.
The reviewer found Ichor to be an incredibly fun and deceptively simple abstract strategy game that offers satisfying choices and a light Greek mythology theme, making it one of the most enjoyable abstract games he has played in a while.
“I enjoy the game and the puzzle of working out the best timing for the unique powers of my characters. Ichor offers a lot of depth for when you’re in the mood for a more “thinky” game that doesn’t require a huge time commitment to play.”
“It won’t be entering my personal pantheon, but it’s a good game all the same.”
“I wish I were more enthused with this one. I certainly appreciate its gameplay and subtleties, but when running my fingers across its grooves and impressions I find myself committing mental infidelity.”
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