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Description
Relic is a board game in which two to four players each assume the role of a powerful hero from the Warhammer 40,000 universe and bravely venture forth to shield the Antian Sector from certain doom. By completing missions and defeating enemies, characters compete to gain rewards and experience, furthering their chance of being the first to defeat whatever evil lies beyond the Warp rift.
Building on the foundations of the Talisman system, Relic is an adventure game in which seemingly straightforward choices mask scores of possibilities. For those who haven't played the classic fantasy adventure game Talisman, this means that on each turn, a player rolls a single six-sided die before moving his playing piece that number of spaces clockwise or counter-clockwise around the region (outer, middle, or inner) of the board it currently occupies. That player then draws a card or cards to see what he's encountered, pitting his heroic persona against foul enemies, dangerous locations, and fantastic strangers. And all the while, these intrepid heroes rise in power, as they work their way toward the ultimate goal at the center of the board.
—description from the publisher
Year Published
2013
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 4
This page: 4
Sentiment:
pos 2 ·
mix 2 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–4 of 4
Video ShJ_j2paClA
Dungeon Dive Daniel game_review at 0:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61273 · mention_pk 153957
Click to watch at 0:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- striking board art and visual presentation
- Power Cards introduce meaningful choice beyond dice
- mission and relic systems create varied goals and progression
- well-implemented solo mode with a helpful dummy player
- distinct from Talisman while preserving a familiar adventure feel
Cons
- board is large and can be hard to read in small spaces
- expansions can be expensive and add complexity or footprint
- some rules add depth but not enough to hinder casual play
- setup time and table space requirements may deter casual players
Thematic elements
- Quest for relics to defend humanity against Chaos and alien threats; mission-driven exploration and combat
- Warhammer 40,000 universe, 41st Millennium, Imperium of Man; Antian sector near a warp Rift
- Array
Comparison games
- Talisman
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I really do enjoy Relic
- Relic is basically Talisman
- it's not just Talisman with different art and a different setting
- this game uses an exploding dice system
- Power Cards are a thing that you can get while you are playing
- I think the game is pretty good as it is I know I use a lot of house rules in Talisman
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Xs5XylP1mTg
Unknown Channel game_review at 1:06 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 28649 · mention_pk 84010
Click to watch at 1:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- highly accessible entry point for new players
- clean, elegant design that emphasizes core decisions
- tension from bidding that makes each choice meaningful
- clearly defined risk-reward tradeoffs when expanding territory
Cons
- edge case where a single player can max out everything, reducing perceived challenge
- potential for analysis paralysis in late-game due to complex bidding options
- replayability may depend on group dynamics and variant rules
Thematic elements
- ruler-building, faction-based strategy with area control and resource management
- Eastern Europe during a historically-inspired era of territorial expansion
- competitive, outcome-driven with clear triumph conditions
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Players move armies and claim territories; control of regions impacts income, building possibilities, and scoring. Contested regions require careful timing and resource allocation.
- Auction / Bidding — Players bid with chips to select actions; the bid value determines both the action chosen and the order of resolution. The lowest bid resolves first, creating strategic dilemmas about when to outbid opponents and what risks to take.
- bidding — Players bid with chips to select actions; the bid value determines both the action chosen and the order of resolution. The lowest bid resolves first, creating strategic dilemmas about when to outbid opponents and what risks to take.
- Resource management — Players manage a finite pool of resources to construct buildings, raise armies, and expand influence; decisions are shaped by bidding and territory status.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is one of the most accessible resource management and area control games.
- It's quite accessible, simple area/resource management game that's really fun.
- I would play Rurick anytime somebody would suggest it.
- For example, if you want to attack, you have to place your bidding chips on that action.
- These numbers on the chips are your bidding strength, but also the order how you are going to resolve your actions.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video eIeqU8H2ro8
3 Minute Board Games general_discussion at 3:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13434 · mention_pk 39358
Click to watch at 3:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Updated version of Talisman with Warhammer theme
- Good for casual play with friends
- Fun mindless entertainment
- Cozy game for tired groups
Cons
- Heavily random
- Not a deep game
Thematic elements
- Space marine quest
- Warhammer 40,000 universe
- Dungeon adventure
Comparison games
- Talisman
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card draw — Draw counter cards for equipment and power-ups
- Character progression — Level up and gain wargear
- roll and move — Move characters around the board
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's delightfully simple and still delightfully a good game.
- Everyone has a different journey here. Everyone starts off playing different games and ends up with different favorite games.
- It had some of the most amazing world building I've ever seen for a game.
- I think the fact that it's rooted in a single D6 system is just going to hamper it for all time.
- This game got me through a pretty rough period of time.
- I am never getting rid of Arkham Horror second edition unless an Arkham Horror fourth edition comes out.
- I was immediately hooked by it.
- It's an absolute banger of a game.
- I could see myself playing that more.
- There's so many layers and mind games to it that player skill and the ability to read your opponent counts for so much more than just having an awesome deck.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video gGzWdTMCpYU
3 Minute Board Games general_discussion at 1:18 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 6151 · mention_pk 18217
Click to watch at 1:18 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- large, expressive busts that are fun to paint
- clear visual readability on the table due to distinct miniatures
- painted figures add dramatic presentation
Cons
- described as a 'nothing game' with relatively light skill requirements
- noted as similar to Talisman, thus potentially regimen-lite gameplay
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Talisman
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- achievement_goal — mission/quest style progression toward victory
- card_draw — cards drive events or encounters
- dice-rolling — core random event resolution through dice rolls
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- paint for functionality over style and paint for speed when you can
- three minute board games does not do paid content keep us Independent by supporting us on patreon
- I'm not an expert painter
- the best thing is to paint the models so they look good while you're playing
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–4 of 4