Board game fans got some exciting news last week, when it was revealed that publisher Steamforged Games announced a special edition of Terra Mystica was coming exclusively to Gamefound in October.
Straying away from their more recent formula of adapting big video games into even bigger board games such as Elden Ring and Monster Hunter World, Steamforged has joined forces with original Terra Mystica publisher Feuerland Spiele to release this brand spanking new special edition, which should have fans of the original game, as well as those new to the fantastical world of Terra Mystica, bubbling with excitement.
This isn’t a typical reprint or a change of rules and gameplay, this is a special deluxe edition which might make an already incredibly evocative and unique Eurogame come alive on your table.
Terra Mystica – What even is that?
If you’re in the hobby you have undoubtedly heard of the original Terra Mystica, released in 2012 to critical and commercial acclaim, consistently being in Board Game Geeks top 50 of all time, and influencing modern board gaming since its release.
However, if you’re new to all this and are wondering what the fuss is all about, then I can tell you Terra Mystica is a game you simply have to try if you’re finding yourself developing a love for board gaming.
Featuring typical Eurostyle game play of resource gathering, resource management and clever strategic planning, you govern one of 14 different groups, trying to terraform your neighbouring landscapes into your home environment, all while competing against your fellow players and their factions to be the quickest and most productive terraformer there is.
Every turn and decision feels important as there is so much you can do, whether that’s upgrading your buildings, improving your terraforming skill or quickly trying to unlock your groups special ability to give you an early edge in the game.
Featuring different factions all with different playstyles and powers, each game of this Euro style powerhouse can feel as epic as the last.
Yet somehow Terra Mystica despite featuring a lot of decisions and different actions never got bogged down in its rules, somehow featuring flowing gameplay that doesn’t typicall stall as much as other Eurogame, and can even work as a gateaway game for newer players if they’re starting to develop their strategic gaming minds.
So I guess with this flowery praise from me, you might ask, why do I need a special edition?
What’s so Special?
Terra Mystica is a wonderful game, but I’ve personally always found the art style a little bit basic for lack of a better term, and this is where a special edition can really improve a game.
Terra Mystica: Special Edition will feature all new artwork to give the visuals in the game a complete refresh, something which I am very excited for.
The games components as well will be given the makeover treatment, with premium wooden components and upgraded tokens, pieces and buildings. If you back the game when it goes live, you’ll even get a special stitched dice to add to your copy.
And if you’re a fan of the gameplay, Terra Mystica: Special Edition will come as an All in One package, meaning every expansion will be included along with the base game, which adds even more depth to an already wonderfully deep game.
I need this game, when can I get it!?
Terra Mystica: Special Edition will be hoping to achieve the same level of success as Awaken Realms recent special editions of Castle of Burgundy, Agricola and Puerto Rico, all games that felt ripe for an upgrade, just like Terra Mystica.
Whether you already own the original and want an upgrade or want to check out the game for the first time, Terra Mystica: Special Edition might just be the next big game to add to your collection.
It is set to be released at the end of October, exclusively on Gamefound, and with no retail plans currently, if you do want it, make sure you check out the campaign, follow it, and get notified as soon as it becomes available, so you don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity.
About the author:
Paul Websell is a freelance contributor for Zatu who spends his time either playing board and video games or talking about them. While he’s not on social media, you can view his other blogs right here on Zatu!
