Collection Status
Your Rating
Description
Nocturne is a puzzly spatial bidding and set collection game of sly mystics set in a whimsical moonlit forest illustrated by Beth Sobel!
In Nocturne, you play as a fox mystic casting magic spells to collect an assortment of enchanted items. You compete against rival mystics, each of you deciding when to cast the most powerful spells to move through the forest most cunningly to secure the best collection. Each turn you decide which items are most valuable to you and when to hold the other mystics back.
Through two rounds (twilight and moonlight), players compete to collect the strongest sets of magical items like firebird feathers, creature skulls, glowing mushrooms, mysterious eggs, and rare herbs. These items have value when collected in specific sets, but can also be combined to fulfill recipes needed for concoctions, scoring you even more prestige!
Each round you begin with a set of numbered tokens that represent your spell strengths. These tokens are used to cast spells and bid on a grid of items (and special actions) on the forest floor. Once you cast a spell, your rival mystics will have an opportunity to cast a more powerful spell onto an adjacent item, hoping to compel it towards them and prevent you from collecting what you need! As the forest is explored, different conditions of magical control will restrict pathways, leading to strategic situations in which players can "corner cast" and secure multiple items with less powerful spells. If your spell casting comes up short, you can always make an offering to the forest sprites, magical mice that have their own cache of treasures they may share with you, giving you further options to expand your collection.
The set-up of the forest grid and twilight and moonlight goals, along with concoction cards and special player abilities in each game, provide great variability so that no two games of Nocturne will play out the same. Different spatial goals and situations will necessitate different strategies and tactics to outwit your opponents in this highly interactive and unique spatial bidding game!
—description from the publisher
Year Published
2024
Featured Videos
Playthrough
Nocturne - Solo Playthrough
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 8
This page: 8
Sentiment:
pos 7 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–8 of 8
Video lmyZhI_HZ0g
Lit's Table game_review at 5:38 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61881 · mention_pk 154514
Click to watch at 5:38 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Deep tactical bidding with meaningful decision making
- Strong mix of bidding, set collection, and board control
- Forest Sprite board adds depth and variability
- Two-round structure with evolving goals increases strategic depth
- Shadow tokens add strategic complexity without bloating rules
- Solo mode and achievements add replayability
Cons
- High complexity may be challenging for casual players
- Decision space can be dense and potentially slow with more players
- Rules feel layered; setup and teach could be lengthy
Thematic elements
- collecting varied items, bidding for tile control using spell tokens
- Fantasy forest with forest sprites
- tactical, procedural with evolving goals across rounds
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Auction / Bidding — Players bid on tiles using tokens, with higher valued tokens typically winning the tile; tokens form a snake across tiles and influence next choices.
- bidding with spell tokens — Players bid on tiles using tokens, with higher valued tokens typically winning the tile; tokens form a snake across tiles and influence next choices.
- corner cast and guaranteed tile wins — A tactic where the first bid on an isolated corner tile guarantees its win but blocks the next placement.
- forest Sprite board and tile drafting — Tiles are drafted from a forest board; tiles have associated points and goals; board setup depends on player count.
- Scoring Variety — Tiles yield points via skulls, herbs, eggs, chests and other resources; bonuses for sets and unique items; end scoring includes leftovers and character abilities.
- shadow tokens and token discard — In the second phase, shadow tokens are distributed; using them discards a token from the player’s hand.
- solo/achievements mode — Solitaire mode with achievements included.
- Token/Chit Drafting — In the second phase, shadow tokens are distributed; using them discards a token from the player’s hand.
- twilight goals and concoctions — Players complete goals for points; concoctions cards give additional scoring possibilities.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's almost a tactical bidding game with some set collection
- there is a lot to think about when deciding which tile to bid on
- a great tactical bidding game with some set collection and something that feels like AA control but not really AA control
- Corner cast which means that when you have the first bid and there is a tile all by itself most likely in a corner then you can place your bid token on it and because there is no orthogonally adjacent tile you automatically win that tile
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video cf8z3aRVhZg
Unknown Channel playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 61635 · mention_pk 154264
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- beautiful artwork by Beth Sobel
- accessible but deep strategic decisions
- scenario-based structure with replay variety
- straightforward solo AI that supports quick games
Cons
- solo experience may feel less tense than multiplayer
- some complexity in tracking all ingredients and scoring
- corner-casting strategy can rely on AI mistakes
Thematic elements
- potion brewing and spellcraft in a fantasy forest
- Gothic forest at night with magical ingredients and forest spirits
- whimsical fantasy with procedural puzzle elements
Comparison games
- Calico
- Cascadia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Auction / Bidding — use a spirit board to bid for tile control and influence AI actions.
- bidding / resource bidding via spirit board — use a spirit board to bid for tile control and influence AI actions.
- corner casting / special abilities — certain powers allow corner-based placement that can trap the opponent.
- end-game scoring via concoctions and ingredients — points come from completed concoctions and ingredient sets.
- set collection / potion building — collect ingredients to complete concoctions for end-game scoring.
- solo AI opponent — the AI uses simple token-based moves to challenge the player in solo mode.
- tile placement — players place tokens on a grid to claim tiles and shape their route.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the beautiful artwork of course once again by Beth soble
- the theme of this is just gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous theme I love it the artwork is amazing
- it's not that complex but it is very different from let's say Calico or Cascadia
- I love flat out games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video cSxpyP3Mu6s
CA Couple rules_teach at 0:07 sentiment: positive
video_pk 60418 · mention_pk 152815
Click to watch at 0:07 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Clear two-round Twilight/Moonlight structure
- Engaging bidding mechanic with star token
- Corner casting adds strategic depth
- Tile/goal diversity with set-collection scoring
- Prototype with Kickstarter preview
Cons
- Prototype version may change before release
Thematic elements
- Spell bidding and tile collection with set-collection scoring
- Fantasy forest during Twilight and Moonlight cycles, with two scoring rounds
- Rule explanation and prototype overview
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Auction / Bidding — Players place spell tokens on tiles; the highest-value token wins the tile. The Star token can lock out bids.
- bidding/auction with spell tokens — Players place spell tokens on tiles; the highest-value token wins the tile. The Star token can lock out bids.
- concoction deck and tile interactions — Concoctions give goals; Ancient Runestones draw extra cards; Cursed Treasure Chest can give points but costs points.
- corner casting — Winning a tile can allow automatic advantage in the next tile, creating corner-casting dynamics.
- phase-based scoring: Twilight and Moonlight — Two rounds with different rules: Twilight focuses on claiming tiles for scoring, Moonlight shifts scoring and token mechanics.
- tile drafting from forest/board — Draft tiles from the forest sprite board and add to personal supply based on draft results.
- token management and forest sprites — Tokens are returned or sent to the forest sprites based on value and position, influencing future rounds.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this game is a prototype version of nocturn so anything you see here might be changing in the future
- Nocturn is played over two rounds Twilight and Moonlight
- will you cast the spell to get the best assortment of items
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video fPHJ3WuFIxg
Unknown Channel game_review at 0:13 sentiment: positive
video_pk 60417 · mention_pk 152814
Click to watch at 0:13 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Innovative spatial bidding that differs from typical bidding games
- Strong integration of multiple mechanics (bidding, set collection, drafting, spatial control)
- Beautiful art by Beth Sable
- Two distinct rounds that shift strategy and pacing
- Solid table presence and thematic vibe (fox mystics)
Cons
- Theme can feel underutilized or not strongly realized during play
- High cognitive load due to multiple scoring elements and card management
- Two-player games can feel head-to-head and less dynamic than higher player counts
Thematic elements
- Spellcasting and item acquisition through a spatial bidding system
- A mystical forest where Fox Mystics cast spells to acquire enchanted items
- Compact, rules-forward with a magical forest vibe
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- concoction cards — Cards that influence scoring and require matching symbols, adding layering and potential complexity.
- grid-based bidding — Players place spell tokens on a grid; to stay in contention, they must place adjacent to the highest token with a higher value, leading to a dynamic race for tiles.
- set collection — Tiles collected from the board score points and may trigger Twilight/Moonlight goals.
- tile drafting — End-of-round drafting of highest-value tokens to select tiles.
- Two-round structure — Twilight and Moonlight rounds with different scoring and token rules.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the art in this game is absolutely lovely
- the bidding mechanic is something that I'm not like the biggest fan of particularly when it's like the main thing of a game
- it's coming to Kickstarter so you can check the link down below
- Nocturn is worth checking out
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video eU3WR_GnYL4
CA Couple general_discussion at 25:10 sentiment: positive
video_pk 60338 · mention_pk 152761
Click to watch at 25:10 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- gorgeous art
- engaging spatial puzzle
- accessible
Cons
- niche theme or abstract mechanics may not appeal to all
Thematic elements
- tile placement and set collection in a fantasy world
- mystical forest
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- set collection — Gather patterns and combos for scoring.
- tile placement — Place tiles with spatial planning and movement.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- We've been making content for four years.
- Four is a number I love; if we play four games in a game night, that's an ideal game night.
- We are ready to do four more with you.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video x4XjGXiSQ74
Flatout Games general_discussion at 6:15 sentiment: positive
video_pk 59733 · mention_pk 152274
Click to watch at 6:15 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- open bidding creates back-and-forth tension
- two distinct scoring phases add depth
Cons
- complex rules may deter casual players
Thematic elements
- fantasy spellcraft and forging potions
- Forest of a grid with magical spells
- mythic fantasy
Comparison games
- Cascadia
- Calico
- Verdant
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Auction / Bidding — discs are bid openly to cast higher spells in sequence
- Open bidding — discs are bid openly to cast higher spells in sequence
- pattern/resource collection — collect elixirs, eggs, skulls, and herbs to craft potions
- spells/discs — discs with numbers represent spells to cast orthogonally adjacent to previous casts
- twilight and moonlight rounds — two-round structure with different scoring objectives
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Point City replaces Point Salad for me
- this is one to four players
- it's about 15 to 30 minutes a game
- Cascadia I want Cascadia I like Cascadia I will play this I will share it I will enjoy it it's just my all-time favorite of their games
- Calico is a lovely strategy game it is a cozy spatial game but boy is it thinky
- Verdant is at the bottom I think mostly because of the restriction and luck of the draw
- Nocturn stacks up as a strong, open bidding game with back-and-forth tension
- the games come in these small boxes these are really nice size boxes great artwork and super super affordable
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 3vpr3q44MWg
Board Game Garden general_discussion at 1:21 sentiment: positive
video_pk 31255 · mention_pk 92074
Click to watch at 1:21 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Engaging bid-drafting mechanic with depth and tension
- Two-round structure provides evolving strategy and endgame payoff
- Aesthetic fox mystics and components hailed as beautiful in preview
- Asymmetric character choices add variability and replayability
- Concoction cards and forest-spirit drafting create multiple scoring paths
Cons
- Prototype components are subject to change before final release
- Rule explanation in a preview video can be dense for new players
- Two-round format may feel short for some groups depending on player count
Thematic elements
- Spell-casting, item collection, and strategic drafting within a two-round structure set in a magical forest.
- Forest realm featuring Fox Mystics, night-time ambience, and mystical environments.
- Asymmetric character presence with optional power modifiers and a fairy-tantasy tone.
Comparison games
- Calico
- Cascadia
- Verdant
- Fit to Print
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Auction / Bidding — Players place numbered tokens on a center grid to bid for tiles; higher numbers win the tile, and tokens may move to a forest/board track to influence future rounds.
- bidding with spell tokens — Players place numbered tokens on a center grid to bid for tiles; higher numbers win the tile, and tokens may move to a forest/board track to influence future rounds.
- concoction cards — Starter and additional concoction cards grant points based on icon requirements and can be drafted or drawn to expand scoring options.
- corner casting — If a tile is isolated or favorable, a player can take a tile immediately by placing a token in a way that others cannot block it, effectively 'corner casting'.
- forest spirit board and end-round drafting — At the end of each round, tokens on the forest spirit board contribute to a drafting phase for additional tiles and scoring opportunities.
- grid-based drafting across Twilight and Moonlight rounds — Two sequential rounds create changing grid layouts; players draft tiles to build a personal tableau and chase endgame scoring.
- set collection and tableau-building — Tiles collected form a tableau; specific icons and tile types enable scoring via various mechanisms and concoction cards.
- shadow spell tokens — Tokens not used in a round can be converted into stronger shadow tokens for the Moonlight round, influencing late-game scoring.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Nocturn to start off is a one to four player game.
- Nocturn will be coming to Kickstarter and is up on Kickstarter when you’re seeing this video.
- the star spell token here is your strongest spell and cannot be beat by any other player.
- Corner casting is a key mechanic where you can take a tile immediately if conditions align.
- these components are prototype components so all of them are subject to change.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video irqRVyb-TFo
Watch It Played top_10_list at 2:28 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11462 · mention_pk 33701
Click to watch at 2:28 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Beautiful artwork by Beth Sobel
- Unique spatial bidding mechanic
- Interesting theme (fox mystic casting spells)
- Publisher with strong track record
- Highly interactive gameplay
Cons
- Multiple game mechanics (11 keywords) might feel disjointed
Thematic elements
- magic
- spell_casting
- mysticism
- animals
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
No quotes stored for this video.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–8 of 8