Horizons of Spirit Island is a cooperative strategy game of settler-destruction for 1-3 players, designed by R. Eric Reuss. Players are called to defend their home as Spirits of nature, fighting to defeat the colonizing Invaders that threaten to destroy their natural existence! The Invaders expand every turn, colonizing more and more of the land as they advance, their towns and cities spreading Blight wherever they’re left unchecked. All hope is not lost, though! Players choose from five Spirits who each wield their own unique elemental powers, from the stealthy and dangerous Devouring Teeth Lurk Underfoot to the implacable and overwhelming Rising Heat of Stone and Sand. Horizons of Spirit Island is compatible with the entire collection of Spirit Island products, with over sixteen unique Spirits, complex new mechanics, and challenging scenarios to choose from across multiple expansions. Start your Spirit Island journey with this game, or grow your existing collection with five new spirits and a new set of game components. Work together to save your home and stand strong with your fellow Spirits against the wave of white-sailed ships on the Horizons of Spirit Island!
From the manufacturer
Amazon Customer –
I have never really played solo board games before, I would play against myself if boredom necessitated it but this game is amazing. I dont believe all spirits are ideal for solo play but if you are looking for something that you can play either on your own or with friends with plenty of different viable options with unique playstyles this is your fix.The artwork is a great point to note too! I am really glad that the power cards list the artists like MTG (magic the gathering) cards do. You can note different styles and I am hopeful to see similar great design choices as I dive further into this game’s verse!
Amazon Customer –
An easy way to introduce non gamers to S.I.
Steve G –
It is not a substitute for the original game, which offers more complex play variations, but it is a far less expensive gateway to see if the game suits your gaming preferences. I love the game board and the new spirits are low complexity but fun.
E. Moore –
This game is definitely fun to play, but is a bit on the complicated side. If you’re brand new to board games, it is a bit more daunting to tackle. Overall, though, it has good replayability and is very fun once learned.
Todd –
This is probably my favorite Spirit Island expansion. It is a stand-alone game but can also be played with the original Spirit Island game. The reason this is my favorite expansion is because it introduced 5 new low complexity spirits so that beginners get more variety. 4/5 new spirits are fairly powerful as well! If you get spirit island, I highly recommend also buying this expansion alongside it
John slagle –
You can go to McDonald’s and have a meal for two that would cost more than one of the best board games available. I got it at $23 and it’s an amazing value.
Slippery Jim –
You probably already know something about Spirit Island if you’re looking at this.There are of course more thorough sources of discussion and review for this particular incarnation.Regardless, it is exactly what it purports to be — a more affordably-produced (i.e. cheaper components) version of a really great cooperative game. As a bonus to people who might already have said fancier original version of the game, this variant comes with 5 new beginner-friendly spirits which are also (in my opinion) fun to play, and worthwhile to have available for fans of the game, in general.For people that don’t already have regular Spirit Island, this is a great way to try it out and see if you like the gameplay. And of course even if you do, there’s nothing that says you can’t stick with this affordable version in its nice small portable easier-to-store box.You always have the option to buy its big older brother and start slowing getting sucked into the expansions available for that one, in the future, when you’ve finally got that dedicated board gaming space and your kids finally aren’t demanding all your time, and work has calmed down, etc.
Christine –
I cannot recommend this game enough! It is extremely affordable and gives you a fantastic Spirit Island experience. Horizons is a great way to get introduced into Spirit Island. You get five very unique and fun spirits, and all of the tokens and markers that you’ll need! Everything is well explained and after a couple of games you will completely understand the game. The price is extremely reasonable and is worth every penny! What’s great about this too is that these spirits work with the main game, or can be played for just this game. So you get a complete Spirit Island experience by playing this one. Once again, I cannot recommend this game enough!
Patrick Smith –
You get exactly what it says, the character boards. However what I didn’t realize is without their power cards you can’t use use them. Had to print out my own cards and put them in sleeves.
Adam Hanson –
I got this to learn how to play thinking it was the LITE version. It is not is the exact same rules as the full spirit island game. Some of the island spirits are a little simpler in function, and the board is not modular, etc.. Obviously it’s cheaper as well, so think of it is just a different version of the same game but with less addends that you can have later that makes the game more difficult in the full box. Either way you can use the monsters in both.
Ross Glenn –
What it’s not: Kid’s First Spirit Island. What it is: a $15-$20 “demo version” of Spirit Island with cardboard replacing almost all components, two fixed boards, and five basic spirits to introduce new players to this game. It’s still very much the same heavy game as the main game. Most copies will probably just be recycled to gain the +5 spirits for the main game.But what you get for the price can’t be beat, so I’d rate “value for money” at six stars if I could.
Board and stuff –
I love spirit island. Is a fantastic game so when i saw this version i did not hesitated.FeaturesThis version is a smaller low cost entrance to spirit island which is a bigger game. Lacks plastic minis components of the original and substitutes them with card board tokens but thw work. Is great. Map is smaller and contain on one board instead of having separate portions of the island.But it includes new spirits to play that are compatible with bigger spirt island.The rules are streamlined and better explained making this rulebook easier to ear and teach. Is fast to set up and play. Very fun and if you learn to play this one you will have no issues playing the bigger one.
Pezman419 –
This game does not get a whole lot of love from the Solo Gaming community because it’s overshadowed by Classic Spirit Island, but I almost enjoy this better that the original. It’s faster and easier to learn and they actually improved the powers of the spirits from the original. So, I actually think it improves the game play over some of the original’s quirks.That being said, this is not as big a box or as Epic feeling, but I actually love it almost as much. For the money, can’t beat it for under $30 games.
Ryan Collins –
The publisher purposely made this version of Spirit Island a bit easier to learn than the original base game. It can still be a bit complicated to learn all the moving parts for some, but, in our experience, it is qute an enjoyable board game for those able to grasp the play mechanics. Each playable spirit is unique and if you don’t like one there are plenty more to try. If you love this game as much as our play group did then there are expansions and online communities that will help to make this enjoyable and social for years to come! This game easily fits on a shelf, even if you buy all of it then it still condenses nicely, though you may want to look into a box insert such as TowerRex.
JCarv –
I didn’t care for Spirit Island but I feel like I should. I had hoped that a simpler version may warm me up to it but no. It’s a me thing, the game is fine, just not my thing.
Maq –
I thought you’d also get the cards with this. I wanted to use these spirits on my copy Spirit Island without having to buy Horizons since it’s basically the same game.
Sabrina hamilton –
Game is the same as original and has it’s own designs however the material is thinner and cheaper and so when we play roulette spirit we can’t use these ones… also feel like the travel game is much easier for some reason. Possible a power balance issue. It doesn’t have invader options for added difficulty so you’ll need to collect those from a different set.
Lawrence Ge Canada –
The product was delivered very quickly, beyond my expectations, and was in very good condition
Whitney –
Great product, I’m glad they released this version of the spirit boards. I prefer they greyboard since they feel more sturdy and durable. The only down side is they are thicker, taking more box space. This may be an issue if you only have the Horizons version of the game, but if you also have the base game or expansion boxes it’s not a big deal.
Gabriel –
I have no interest in the Horizons game, but the spirits are compatible with the core game so I ordered those.The problem? It doesn’t include the 4 unique power cards for each Spirit. Now I have to print those up myself.
Zaphod –
This game is by no means playable by an 8 year old child. It’s far too complicated and the board game expert reviews online say as much. Wish I had read/watched those first. (And wish I knew the object of the game was to “RAISE THE TERROR LEVEL” before introducing it to my kids.)
TT’s Trade –
Wasn’t familiar with “Spirit Island” – nice affordable intro to the Island worlds for a lesser price – Like that it is designed for 1-3 players.
Celeste G –
I have not played the original Spirit Island, but I love this game, and it definitely makes me want to play the original. You can play with 1-3 players (fantastic to have another single player game in my collection that isn’t just me trying to beat an arbitrary score set by the game), and there are different spirits you can play as, which ups its replayability. Also, plenty of difficulty variations so that you can have it be easier as you learn the game and then make it harder if you want a challenge later. The quality of the pieces/board is good, especially for the low price point.My only issue with the game (and hence only 4 stars) was that it was EXTREMELY difficult to try to learn to play just from the rulebooks (and I consider myself an intelligent, avid board gamer, well-versed in reading rulebooks). I say rulebookS because they even have a “quick start” rulebook for the first time you play, but my husband and I just found ourselves going back and forth for about an hour between the “quick start” and the actual rulebook because all the information you need to understand how to play is not in the “quick start”! We finally got smart and watched a
Paul A. Martorano –
In the past, I tried desperately to learn how to play the parent of this game: Spirit Island. Maybe it’s a mental block, but I just struggled with all of the nuances and subtleties in the rules. So, when I saw that this game was a more friendly and inexpensive way to ease into the complex ruleset, I thought it would be a great opportunity to give it a second chance.First, let me say that the overall reviews for these games are overwhelmingly positive. I really want to join in and see what everyone is talking about. I was told that the Quickstart guide to Horizons was incredibly well done and would really aid in understanding. So, myself and two friends sat down last evening to conquer mastery of this “diamond in the rough”.I quickly noticed that the board is either too small or the pieces are too large. The board becomes quickly populated and it doesn’t help when it is hard to tell which areas have which pieces on them. We found that it was almost essential to stack pieces to try and keep things somewhat more organized. That is perhaps the biggest criticism of this game. Why did the play testers not notice this too?And although the Quickstart guide did give us a general idea on how to play, once we had to make decisions on our own, the gameplay quickly deteriorated into having to try to find rule clarifications using the other manual as well as google searches on our phones. We simply could not play this. We are all seasoned gamers and one of us had a little knowledge of this game to begin with. I was disappointed that my second attempt at learning this board game was another failure. I seem to have a little more of an idea, but still not enough to really play it.My next attempt will be to watch as many YouTube videos as I can to be able to understand. I am surprised that this version of the parent game is being pandered to the mass market (Target) as I just feel it is well out of reach to anyone other than hardcore gamers. I shouldn’t have to take what I feel is a “course” on learning how to play this. But, I am determined. I think that if an actual person that had a decent grasp of the rules was present to help, I could learn it.For now, I am going to give this game 4 stars in anticipation of it being good when I can someday understand it.
Handy Tech Grandpa –
The Horizons of Spirit Island game (I’ll say Horizons for short) is designed to be somewhat of an introductory version of the previously published “Spirit Island” game, and that original game is currently one of the top dozen rated board games. Horizons is a full game that stands on its own… the original Spirit Island is NOT needed to play this.As a side note: the 5 spirit characters in this game can be used for variety in place of spirits when playing the original Spirit Island.As an introductory version of this game series, the complexity is lower, and some aspects of game play are not present in this game. That said, this Horizons version is still more complex than a typical “family game” and is for teens and/or adults. Horizons is a “cooperative game” where all players work together to defeat the game system. It does have a solo mode which facilitates learning, practice and playing when nobody else wants to join in.Since Horizons is intended to be an introduction to this game series, the publisher apparently decided to make this an “easier buy decision” with a lower price point compared to the original. To do that, the production costs were lowered by simplifying or reducing the quality of game components. If you are not familiar with the original, you probably won’t notice this, and I think Horizon’s components are generally good quality when compared to the average board game.I ordered this in the Amazon Vine program, but that does not influence my review opinion. Starting long before Amazon existed, I have played hundreds of different games – good and bad. So, I know a bit about game playability, comparative component quality, etc. Coincidentally, I have not played the original Spirit Island, which I believe allows me to review this game on its own merits.
Cory –
I’ve only played Solo so far. My wife keeps heehawing on if she will give it a try. She likes the look and theme of the game. However, as soon as I start telling her about the rules, just giving an outline, she says it sounds too complicated. I was able to get her into Azul and get her to try several other complex games, but this one just has too much going on to be appetizing to her. And, I can’t say that I really blame her.My understanding is that this is meant to be a lighter version of regular Spirit Island. However, I feel like there is still a bit too many mechanics and rules happening for what you get out of it.I don’t truly dislike the game, but it didn’t leave me excited to keep playing it. It might be better actually playing with two or more people, but the game is complicated enough to push away most casuals. So, you’ll need a preexisting game group to get it to the table. Then, it might end up being too light for your particular group.The advertised Quick Start Guide isn’t a lite version of the rules or a quicker way to set up. It is really more an extended example of game play. You really need to read the rule book first, then you can set up your first game by doing exactly what the Quick Start Guide says for all actions during the first round. One major downside of it though, it tells you what to do for exactly three players. So, you could use it to set up a solo game, but you’d have to play as three players.The components are pretty nice. I appreciate a board game that isn’t bloated with plastic miniatures. The cards are of reasonable quality, and the cardboard tokens all punched out clean.Horizons of Spirit Island will stay in my collection for now. But if I need to make some room, this may be one of the first games to go.
Not Your Average Hiker –
I previously struggled with learning the parent game, Spirit Island, due to its complex rules. When I heard about this more approachable and affordable version, I saw it as an opportunity to give it another try.Overall, the reviews for this game have been positive, which piqued my interest. The Quickstart guide was highly recommended for understanding the game. So, I gathered two friends to embark on our journey with this “diamond in the rough”.One issue we encountered was the board size and piece placement. The board quickly became crowded, making it difficult to determine which areas had which pieces. We had to stack pieces to maintain some semblance of organization. This was a significant drawback that should have been addressed during playtesting.Although the Quickstart guide provided a general understanding, once we had to make independent decisions, the gameplay became confusing. We had to refer to the other manual and resort to online searches for rule clarifications. Despite our experience as gamers, we couldn’t fully grasp the game. It was disappointing to have another unsuccessful attempt at learning this board game.In my next attempt, I plan to watch YouTube videos to gain a better understanding. It surprises me that this version is marketed to the mass market, as it seems more suitable for hardcore gamers. Learning the game shouldn’t feel like taking a course. However, I remain determined. With the help of someone knowledgeable in the rules, I believe I can eventually learn it.For now, I’ll give this game 4 stars, hopeful that it will be enjoyable once I fully comprehend it.
J&S –
I played this solo and at the two player count so this review reflects those games.Rules 5/5The game comes with two rulebooks – one is a quick start guide that walks you through step-by-step on how to play and the other is the full rulebook with in-depth explanations. They did a great job on both and the game is very easy to learn once you get a turn or two under your belt.Components 3/5There is nothing really wrong with the components other than they cause the board to get cluttered at times, especially during the latter stages of a game. They are your standard cardboard pieces with some of the player pieces being wood discs. The cards are a good quality and feel like they will last a long time. The board is standard thickness and works functionally well aside from the cluttering issue I mentioned above. It seems like they should have made the board a little bigger or the pieces that go on it a little smaller.Gameplay 5/5The game turn is played over five phases, but none of them are hard from a functional standpoint. However, this is not an easy game to master as you need to get used to the rhythm and how to build powerful card combos in order to get ahead. Basically, you have a turn set up phase where you gain income and buy cards. Then, there is a fast phase where you can only take actions that match that symbol. The invaders take the next portion and you follow the steps for them to set you back. You then get a slow phase where you can only take actions that match that symbol. Finally, you clean everything up and do it all over again. The win conditions do change throughout the game based on your “Fear” level, which is determined by a deck of cards – the deeper you get into the deck the better the odds that you win. If it runs out completely, you win. The invaders have what is called blight and if they empty out the blight pool, then you lose. Typically blight is placed out after the invaders do at least two damage to an area, but there are also some cards that put it out.Overall Rating 9/10Quite simply this is an awesome game that is challenging and rewarding to play. If you like a cooperative game that makes you think, then this is the one for you. Player interaction exists but usually you are working on your own maps separately to try to win together. You can cross map borders to help out, though. Get this if you have played a game like Pandemic and you want to take the complexity up a notch. The rules are done in such a way to make this easy to recommend to anyone who likes modern board games.
Kevin –
Okay, so there’s a lot to remember with this game. I have not played the original version of Spirit Island, and I’ve read that this is like a slightly simpler and more streamlined version. Well after playing this, I have zero interest in playing the original. If this was the streamlined version, I’m happy sticking with this. I was constantly looking up things in the rulebook during my first two playthroughs, because there’s just a lot to remember. This could have been easily avoided by providing some player aids or reference cards. The back of the rulebook does have a TON of helpful information, but because I was constantly needing to look through the rulebook to find specifics, I found myself thinking that it would have been more helpful to have the rules references on some other printed sheets than on the back of the rulebook, which was constantly open. Now, some info about the actual game: You play as Spirits, trying to fend off invaders who are attempting to explore your island, build towns/cities, and in the process end up ravaging the lands. You start the game with hardly any presence on the board, which honestly makes it feel like you’re new to the island, just like the invaders. If I am some great Spirit and this island is my home, why do the invaders start with a larger presence on the island than me? The game begins with the invaders growing fairly quickly while you try to slowly pick them off, but they grow at a much faster rate than you do at the start. As the game goes on, you’re just trying to avoid losing. But once you hit the late game, you’ve been able to place presence all over the map and make yourself more powerful. Assuming you survived to the late-game, it’s easy to win. The win condition gets easier and easier as time progresses. But honestly, I have a feeling most games won’t make it that long.
C. Neal –
So maybe it’s just a sign that I’m getting old, but right out of the box this game is overwhelmingly complex. There’s both a “quick start” set of instructions and an “instruction” set of instructions. Both have to be read before you can really play the game, contrary to the “instructions” that refer you to the “quick start” instructions.Thematically, this is lightly environmentalist/anti-colonialist/anti-corporate, so if you care about such things then that applies here too.Overall, for the price you’re getting a lot of game. But know what you’re getting into beforehand.
Zenkoto –
Horizons of Spirit Island is an excellent strategy based board game with a unique twist. You embody powerful spirits that are tasked with defending an island and its natives from invading colonists. As the game progresses, the spirits gain more power to match the growing number of invaders. My girlfriend and I played a 2-player game together. The game has a steep learning curve and it took us a while to start getting a grasp on the game. We struggled with understanding the game’s many concepts and figuring out which powers to use, when to use them, and where to use them. By the time we gained an basic understanding of the game, we were overwhelmed by an excess of invaders and had to forfeit the game. It doesn’t take much to quickly get overwhelmed by the invaders either through a bit of bad luck or not having a well-planned strategy. It will take us at least a few more games before we are able to optimize our strategies and best learn how to prevent invaders from building and how to properly defend against their attacks. After a better understanding, I have a newfound appreciation for the game. There is a surprising amount of depth with multiple paths to victory. I find the idea of being a powerful spirit that is set to defend an island from invaders to be unique and well-executed and I found the strategizing to be thoroughly enjoyable! I also look forward to attempting Spirit Island which is a more comprehensive experience similar to this game.
Kolya –
If you own the base game of Spirit Islands, but do NOT own Spirit Island Horizons, you might, like me, wonder if getting these would let you play as the Horizons spirits in the base game.It will NOT, or at least not fully.With just this pack, you would not have access to the spirit-specific starting cards that are a huge part of the spirits’ identities, and are only available in the actual Horizons box.This pack is meant for those who already own Horizons AND the base game of Spirit Island, letting you incorporate the Horizons spirits into the base game with components (boards in this case) that match the quality of the base game’s spirits.
D. B. –
I did not read any reviews before trying this out, and maybe I should have. I was not prepared for the level of complexity to play. My son and I enjoy all kinds of games and have played a ton!So we watched a couple how-to videos and read the quick start guide. However, an hour after sitting down we were only on the second round of play. I was overwhelmed by all the moving parts and we both got so mixed up that we threw in the towel. I’m going to have to sit down and close read the full manual before we give it another try.I think if one person could get the rules and sequence down pat they could carry the game for the other players. It looks like it would be pretty fun once you get that groove.The game itself is high quality materials and a great value. It’s a really nice looking game, too. But I would only gift this to a serious gamer.
Rhaegon Targaryen –
Spirit Island made waves in the board game industry when it was released, calling itself “The Cooperative Settler-Destruction Strategy Game.” It pushed back against the preponderance of games themed around colonization, in direct contrast to Settlers of Catan, which, for all the joy it has brought to millions and for how it transformed the board gaming industry, set a precedent that many games followed.However, Spirit Island is not a family-friendly board game. It’s complex, requiring a lot of planning and collaboration among players that puts it out of reach for most family gamers. It looks fun, but it’s just too hard and involved.Enter Horizons of Spirit Island. This is a much scaled-down version (in ruleset as well as in components). You won’t be getting wooden Dahan pieces or plastic city pieces (in fact, you can see the cardboard punchboards in the attached photo). So you’ll be dealing with a cardboard gaming experience without the nice feeling of the good components in your hands. But what the game loses in component quality, it more than makes up for in accessibility. The five included spirits have powers that are fun and different from the ones in the base game, but are also much easier and straightforward to comprehend and use.This version of the game plays in much less time than the original. It is only for 1-3 players, though, so groups of 4 should either play something else or be willing to team up. The game box says it’s for 14+, and that’s fairly accurate, but a bright and parent-supported 10-year-old could probably grok the rules.This is a great alternative to the base game. I love regular Spirit Island, but if I’m being honest, I’d never get it to the table. It’s too difficult for casual gamers, and takes too long to play. While I’m happy to do that, finding others who have the same desire is tough. This version of the game makes it much more likely that I’ll actually play, and that, in fact, is the point.
KBieb –
I am an avid hobby board gamer. Spirit Island (SI) is my absolute favorite cooperative game and in my top ten of all board games. I have the original game and all of the expansions for it. When I first saw that there was a slimmed down version of it for the mass market, I almost dismissed it. Why would I need that when I have the original? Well, I am super glad that I picked this up because it’s awesome!If you’ve never played a hobby-level board game before, this one might not be the best gateway game. If you’ve played games like Catan, Pandemic or Ticket to Ride though, I think this one would be a good next step. It’s definitely a little complicated, but it has an excellent Quick Start Guide and there are plenty of online videos to teach you how to play.One of the biggest problems with co-op games is the potential for “quarterbacking”. This happens when one player ruins the experience by telling everyone else what to do on their turn. This is extremely unlikely to happen with SI because there’s just too much going on and every player has a unique hand of cards. Another thing that makes SI an excellent co-op is that it is absolutely necessary for everyone to work together to win. Each player is going to have their own spirit and set of powers with its own strengths and weaknesses. There is a beautiful synergy that happens when each player uses their advantages to offset the disadvantages of the others. Even though I like playing it solo, it’s so much better with three or four players all working together. Every single turn is a puzzle that needs to be solved. At the beginning you will feel overwhelmed and you’ll think that winning is impossible. But then the longer you play, the more powerful you’ll get. You’ll begin to learn how to use your powers better and you will gradually start to feel victory is possible. Then, when you pull off a tight win when you thought you were definitely going to lose, it’s one of the best feelings in boardgaming.Okay, so obviously I recommend SI, but should you buy the original full game or this “stripped down” version? First, I wouldn’t call this stripped down at all. Sure, all of the plastic and wood pieces in the original are now cardboard tokens and the spirit boards are now cardstock instead of cardboard but none of that affects gameplay. In fact, one could make the argument that the tokens are easier to see and process than the minis. The boards aren’t modular which means that you can’t set up different island shapes but since the invader cards are randomized every game, even that barely affects gameplay. There are two less spirits and no adversaries (basically variants) in the Horizons version but the rest of the components are more or less equivalent. The biggest sacrifice is the number of players, Horizons only accommodates three while the original goes up to four (or six with expansions).The new version does a lot more to ease you over the learning curve. All of the spirits are basic difficulty, the board is easier to set up and there is an excellent Quick Start Guide so you can start playing quickly and learn the rules as you go. With Horizons, you are missing out on very little gameplay, getting a lot of convenience, and saving a bunch of money. As long as you can live with cardboard tokens instead of plastic and wood pieces, and don’t need more than three players, I recommend Horizons. You can always “move up” to the main game if you decide that you like it and need more. Even folks that already have everything else may want to get Horizons for the six new spirits.My only real complaint with this version is that the Quick Start Guide is only usable if you have three players. I would have liked to see them make it more versatile to support games of one, two or three.I think Greater Than Games did a wonderful job of taking a fairly heavy hobby board game and making it more approachable for the non-hobbyist. I love it and will almost certainly be pulling this off the shelf more than the original game.
Robert D. Watson –
Spirit Island is a game that I’ve played, but don’t enjoy too much because it’s learning curve is fairly steep. As someone who likes to play a lot of different games, I won’t spend enough time with this one to cover every nuance in the rules every single time. Horizons, then should be a welcome change – same game, shorter and simpler rule set.It is a bit simplified, and that is a welcome change, but the production quality of this is a little strange. The board is pretty small given the sizes of the pieces, and there are still a large number of cards and bits to deal with in addition to the small essays that you get on your player boards. And while simplified greatly from the original, the rules are still intensely nuanced, and often contradictory.So baby Spirit Island still suffers from a lot of what plagued it’s older cousin. A fun game for some, surely, but not for me.
Eva Wu –
Horizons of Spirit Island is similar to the original Spirit Island; it keeps the core mechanics and themes. Though the max number of players is now 3 instead of 4, the game still integrates a high level of complexity. There are many pieces to be familiar with and various mechanics to learn. This is not a simplified version of the original game.I wish that the components were 3D, rather than just 2D printed tokens. That would have definitely elevated the design of this game. The player cards are thick and durable which makes them resistant to heavy usage.All-in-all, it is a fun cooperative board game with very few board games like it.
Michael Birman –
This is apparently the slightly stripped down version of the more expansive original edition of this game. I used to play quite a lot of strategy board games but computer strategy games grabbed my attention for awhile. Lately, however, the quality and diversity of newer strategy board games has piqued my interest and I’ve begun exploring them again. Offered this version of the popular original, I was eager to try it.As everyone probably knows by now, this game has a fairly difficult learning curve. You can watch videos that will introduce you to the rules of the game but developing a feel for its flow and developing a sense of its strategic nature might take playing as many as 3 or 4 games before your confidence begins to build.There is a single board rather than the more modular design of the original and game pieces are more economically constructed, but from what I’ve learned, gameplay is essentially the same. From my experience, learning to play on this leaner version is a great way to build your skills and confidence, as well as being slightly faster. There are enough new elements in this version of the game to entice owners of the original to play this one as well.That this game is challenging and fun to play is proven by its popularity. If you’re curious and want to enter the world of cooperative strategy games, this one is one of the best ways to start. I also recommend playing your first game or two as a solo player. It’s actually an intriguing way to play: what it loses in cooperative play it gains in strengthening your tactical skills. There’s a subtle interplay in the cooperative multi-player game that’s removed in the solo one. This solo method of play highlights your tactical skills as you develop and implement your strategy. It’s an intriguing difference in the way the game is played that should feel familiar to chess players.
RC –
This is the baby version of the original Spirit Island, and takes place on just one board, instead of the modular ones in the original. What helps also is that this is less than half the price of the original.In terms of play, there is a steep learning curve, and you’ll eventually forget to do SOMETHING – like add blight, or increase the number of invaders, so it’s kinda hard for beginners. But after a few plays, you’ll get the hang of it.
Your Best Source For Unbiased Reviews! –
Beautiful artwork, and quality pieces drew me in, while deep gameplay kept me coming back for more. Though it took me a while to get the hang of it. Like others are saying, this is a pretty tough game to fully figure out and keep everything in your head all at once. But once you can manage that, it’s extremely fun.Upon looking it up, there seem to be more games in this series, but they are much harder and more expensive as well. But if you found this too easy, which I doubt you will, know that you can get an even tougher experience, and that the spirits from this game can be used in the core game as well.Although this is great fun with friends, I am extremely happy about an option to play solo. That’s how I play most of my games, and so few board games cater to that. It is still very fun, even solo and unlike other games where playing solo is just a different and less fun experience, this plays just the same and it’s just as fun.Everything was good quality. I’d recommend this for sure to anyone who loves board games, but not to those who like simpler games for younger teens/kids.
Szechuan Chicken –
I am an avid board / war gamer. I’ve been playing with my kids whom are now 10 and 14, since they were wee little ones, just out of diapers. This is a great smaller edition of a larger much more time consuming version of the game available currently. Though much of the board has been narrowed down, the gameplay and cooperation is still intact and the fun factor is still top notch. Most of us do not have half to a whole day to use for a board game. Especially when kids have a shorter attention span. Give or take 2 hours is plenty for this edition.This game is similar to many FLGS board games, as it is not “pick up and play”, but rather will require some time and effort to understand. Many videos exist already that provide a great breakdown of how to play and what all the components mean. It is a “euro style” (requiring more thought and planning) game.The premises is to work together as spirits and ward off the colonizers.Though this is the smaller brother of the granddaddy of the game, it still contains plenty of fantastic components and it is still top notch.
Andy –
I’m honestly not sure how this game is on here since it’s supposed to be Target exclusive but I digress!This is an incredibly fun standalone game of Sprit Island. It’s somewhat of an appetizer for the full game and let’s you decide whether or not you want to continue on to buy Spirit Island or if you’re fine with this version. For $30, you really can’t beat the quality of the game components.The instructions are beautifully printed and easy to follow for new players. You can also play this stand-alone so if you’re like me and want to play board games way more than your friends/ family, you can always play some rounds on your own.Overall, great game and beautifully designed.
Matthieu Hausig –
Spirit Island is one of the best co-op games out there. Great theme, very challenging and tons of variety. It’s a brain burner and one that can be tough to teach simply because there’s so much going on. Horizons of Spirit Island is the same game but slightly simplified. It comes with unique spirits, which makes it a worthwhile pickup for fans of the base game. Each player plays one spirit, which has its own particular rules and developmental progression. The ones in this box are intentionally on the less complex side so that new players can adapt to the game without having a whole bunch of secondary mechanics to consider as well. The lack of complexity doesn’t keep them from being fun. Overall, this is an excellent introduction to Spirit Island and at a price point that’s worth it just to have the extra spirits.
DAVI Timothée –
Spirit Island – Horizons’ father – stands probably as one of the best – if not the best – board game ever designed. The only issue one could have with it is its complexity and modularity: it can repel less experienced board gamers.Horizons does the impossible: it simplifies the game, and deals away with the modularity without sacrificing the game’s genius.At the price, you could not hope for a better game. If you loved Pandemic or Catan and want to try a better, “hobby” board game, Horizons is your next step.
Mommy Var –
The game is fantastic! It’s fun, entertaining, and you have a lot of depth of play available, even though it’s easy to pick up. It’s a great way to sit around and have some laughs with family and friends. The art is great, both simple and colorful. The materials themselves are good quality, and everything fits and flows together well.You also have a lot of expansion options if you want to try out different ways to play. This functions as both an expansion to the existing Spirit Island content and its own standalone game to let you see how much you enjoy playing at a great price compared to the original.FINAL WORD: Buy this! That’s it. It’s great, and it fits into the other Spirit island games and expansions.
Happy2B –
Spirit Island is one of the best board games I have ever played, and this is a great way to introduce new players to the game. It is a lengthier, co-operative game that involves a good bit of strategy and a good bit of planning. I would highly recommend anyone checking it out. This expansion helps with the original’s bit of a barrier to entry in that the original can require some effort to learn; this version is easier to learn, and once you learn and know how to play, it gets people hooked.For those already familiar with Spirit Island, I would say this is a great addition to the existing game. Good, basic spirits for new players that want to learn, while also adding nice variety to the base game like other expansions for experienced players.
Cameron –
Horizons of Spirit Island Cooperative Strategy Board Game is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding cooperative game. The game requires players to work together to protect the island from invaders and overcome the challenges that arise. It’s a beautifully designed game with high-quality components, and the artwork is stunning. The gameplay is smooth and strategic, with multiple paths to victory. I love the spin on the games where settlers are the bad guys! It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves board games and wants to see something new and cool in their collection!
TRU –
Coming in at about 1/3 – 1/2 the price of the original Spirit Island Horizons is a great way to find out if Spirit Island is a game for you. It’s also a complete game in itself so if it’s just one you would play occasionally it has plenty of content just on it’s own. Aside from the price it also has the benefit of coming in a smaller box and fewer components and a quickstart guide makes it easier for new gamers to get into.If you’re a seasoned gamer and are looking for a harder cooperative challenge then you might want to skip ahead to it’s big brother. But if you’re newer or just want to see if it’s a game for you then I would highly recommend giving this one a shot.
N. Lucas –
Played this a couple times now and we love it. Makes a great addition to the collection and adds some variety to family game night
Sz –
This game is deceptively complex, and having played the original Spirit Island, I was hoping that this version would be a “lighter” version of that game. While its setup is more streamlined, and the game features a quick start guide for three players, the core mechanisms are the same. In fact, the five new spirits in this version are compatible with the full game’s components. For me, there’s a little too much information to track among cooperating players, and it’s a puzzle that doesn’t seem to be worth the investment for me.I certainly recommend checking out this version before diving into the other game—after all, you’ll be no worse off if you love this version and decide to expand your options with the bigger iteration. That’s a smart option for a publisher, and a good option for a consumer. You can try a game and its mechanisms before going full-steam into it, yet this isn’t merely a light version that will be supplanted by the bigger game. Nice! While I didn’t care for it as much as most gamers (Spirit Island is highly rated among tabletop gamers), I recognize that this is a subjective opinion and doesn’t necessarily reflect a poor design. In fact, I do think the design is sound, but it’s just not my cup of tea.
L.B. –
I live with a gamer who loves strategy games. It took us over four hours over two nights to learn the basics, and I was bored the entire time. There’s nothing particularly exciting, funny, or fun about this game. If you love heavy strategy games with a multitude of moving pieces, icons, and movements to learn, then this is the game for you.
Bill –
Excellent game
This is a 3 player version of the original, with cheaper components. It plays exactly the same as the original. Great cost effective way to get into the Spirit Island game world without breaking the bank. Highly recommended.
Acuario 86 –
Grandiosa compra!
Aunque no es el Spirit Island original, su jugabilidad es excelente. Mis grupos de juegos rara vez pasan de tres personas, así que es perfecto para 1-3 jugadores. Los componentes no echan en falta al original (fichas de cartón en ve de casitas e invasores de plástico) de hecho creo que hasta mejor opción en un juego de posicionamiento.Grandioso juego, tiene 5 espíritus para elegir, tiene varios modos de dificultad, muchas cartas para experimentar distintas combinaciones. El juego es fácil de aprender pero requiere su tiempo para dominar. Es de los más satisfactorios que he jugado cuando logras una victoria. Definitivamente lo recomiendo para aquellos que quieren probar el Spirit Island.
Erika Ruiter –
Great way to experience Spirit Island for a fraction of the price
The game arrived quickly. Although it is meant to be a lower-quality version of Spirit Island, the components are still solid and it is a visually pleasing game. The simplified game board is especially helpful.Gameplay wise, it is definitely tricky and takes about 3-4 play-throughs to fully learn all the intricacies of the game. Once you get it, it is VERY fun and the best co-op game I have ever played!Considering this is supposed to be a US-only Target exclusive, snatch it up while you can.
Client d’Amazon –
1-3 j.
Attention ! C’est pour 1 à 3 joueurs, et non pas 2 à 6 !
Nelson Torres –
Juégalo modo “fácil”
Si quieres empezar en Spirit Island y ver si es tu juego, cómpralo.Si ya tienes el base y quieres una versión móvil para enseñarle a otros, cómprala.J U E G A Z O !