Shape Lagoon’s destiny by altering the balance of energies!
I often have a backstory for most games that I purchase but this one nothing immediately comes to mind. I know I got it sometime in college, the art looked really nice so that must have been why I purchased it. I had been playing some D&D in college and always played druid characters, and Lagoon was all about being a druid and harnessing the world’s energy. I suppose it all makes sense why I picked this game up.
In Lagoon, players are druids discovering new sites that each are flourishing with a specific type of energy: Elemeen, Vowelon and Deonin. Players take turns placing hexes onto the table determining the destiny of Lagoon; with each tile showcasing two different energies, the player may choose which side to play. With each tile placement, the world becomes more tightly aligned with a certain energy type and you collect seeds of its energy. But just as there is exploration, there is also destruction. As you destroy sites, you can sway the destiny of the Lagoon.
At the end of the game, destiny reveals itself (whichever energy occupies the most of the world) and players score points based on the amount of collected seeds of that energy as well as points for the destroyed sites of opposing colors!
Mechanics & Categories: Tile Placement, Exploration, Grid Movement, Modular, Stock Holding, Abstract
FANTASTICAL ART
Lagoon has some gorgeous art from a few different artists. Each hexagon site tile encompasses either red, blue or yellow energy. The artwork on the tile truly conveys the vibe you would expect from that location. With beautiful light sources, gradients, and brush strokes, you will visit caves, oasis, and vast plains. You’ll explore villages in the treetops, homes built into tree roots deep underground. You might also encounter some of the flora and fauna that makes up the land of Lagoon.
An entire world is created through this artwork. To me, nothing beats a game with artwork that tells a story. Oftentimes I will see artwork that I really enjoy, however I don’t feel engrossed in the setting of the game. In Lagoon I almost find myself inspecting the artwork more than the action that becomes available. I would love to see more of these artists’ games and in more going forward.
JUMBO COMPONENTS
A good way to make a game more re-playable is by having modular game play. Being able to craft the game board and the actions available to players makes for some interesting interactions. If a player’s druid is occupying a site, that player has the ability to use that site’s action. Therefore, where sites are placed can try to keep your opponents from occupying powerful actions or can give you more control over certain energies on the board. The more energy of one kind you have, the easier it becomes to destroy others.
MODULAR GAMEPLAY
A good way to make a game more re-playable is by having modular game play. Being able to craft the game board and the actions available to players makes for some interesting interactions. If a player’s druid is occupying a site, that player has the ability to use that site’s action. Therefore, where sites are placed can try to keep your opponents from occupying powerful actions or can give you more control over certain energies on the board. The more energy of one kind you have, the easier it becomes to destroy others.
Final Comments
Lagoon is a pretty game to look at with lots of fun, vibrant character colors to play. Having a different game experience every playthrough is a great benefit. The main reason this game doesn’t get to the table too often for us is because some actions don’t feel as strong as others. There is a bit of engine-building in this game, so once you have found that, the new actions that arise become less valuable. That being said, I haven’t played this enough times to see if there really is more value in some of those actions.
This game has a bit too many choices for newer players or kids, but if you enjoy adding pretty games to your collection with modular game play, this would be a unique choice. Some players love having a lot of choices given to them, and having to balance which ones lead to the most points. I feel like this game is much lesser known so if you have a chance to check it out, why not?
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Publisher: 3 Hares Games
Game(s) Pictured: Lagoon: Land of Druids
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