Illimat

Illimat has the style and flavor of a classic card game with a dynamic twist. As you play, you combine cards and collect them, trying to gather more than your opponents. But hidden Luminaries and changing seasons can alter your plans. Featuring a cloth board, metal tokens, and illustrations by Carson Ellis.

Somewhat apocryphally Illimat came from an album shoot by the indie rock band The Decemberists; a game in the background of their photos that looked like a traditional folk game, but... mysterious. Fellow Portland local Keith Baker (designer) reached out to the band (or it may have been the other way around?) to take their fake game... and make it real!

The game has cards inspired by many of the characters from the bands' songs, and successfully feels like a "traditional" folk game, but different. You play "melds" of cards, but also force the board to rotate and have extra powered tarot size cards. It leaves you feeling like something from the Decemberists' catalogue... like you've just touched something from the other side...

Perfect for: A group of old friends to play in a log cabin in the woods (while listening to The Hazards of Love!)

Complexity: 2.17/5

If you like this, try: Fire Tower