Gems of Iridescia Components Overview and Impressions
Whenever you get to review or purchase a game that started on Kickstarter or Gamefound, you know that the retail edition of the game might not be as fancy as the deluxe, but it’s going to look really, really good. That is the case for Gems of Iridescia, a new game from a first time publisher. Although I only had access to the retail version of the game, it was still a fantastic unboxing experience with tons of great components.
The majority of things in the box are all cardboard, but punching out all those gems and tiles was an absolute breeze. The quality here is of the highest quality, and they pieces are thick enough that you know you are playing something that is a step above what most consider a “retail release.”
The card quality is also top notch, and while there isn’t a ton of shuffling, I also still don’t suggest wasting money on sleeving these cards. They will hold up fine over dozens of plays, and again, that is a testament to what the publishing team really wanted out of their game. This is well produced from start to finish, and it shows.
The artwork throughout is pretty solid. I would say the best artwork is actually on the backside of the player aides, so it is unfortunate that you won’t be seeing that often. Most of the other artwork, while great, is also secondary to what else is on the card, in most cases the iconography. Still, looking at the artist’s renditions of the various relics, and the nifty art on (most) of the item cards was still something I quite enjoyed.
There are a few wooden components in the box, and they are screen printed and good quality. I don’t have a real concern that any of the graphics will rub off over time.
What is most impressive about this release, though, is the included insert. One tray that holds the gems and the coins can be removed from the box and just plopped down on the table. This makes setup easier, and provides a nice storage tray for all those pieces. I absolutely HATE piles of items on a table, so this is a great alternative.
It is the inclusion of an insert at all in the retail release that makes me understand this publisher and designer care. I’ve always argued that almost every game in existence should ship with some kind of insert, and I’m glad to see that Gems of Iridescia does. Of everything we have talked about so far, this is my number 1 telltale sign that a company wants even their most ‘basic’ release to be a memorable one. Kudos to the team, this is a fantastic looking game.
Just one issue: did you have to put the name of the game on the board? I know it doesn’t matter, but I really wish it wasn’t there!
Article By Adam Roffel
