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Description
You have entered the Sonoran Desert, a place of vast beauty. Technicolor sunsets pop out over vistas revealing deep canyons, trickling tributaries, and ancient pueblo cliff dwellings. Immerse yourself in the secrets of the desert in a flick-and-write game in which cunning and dexterity meet.
In Sonora, players flick wooden discs onto a game board representative of different vibrant landscapes across the Sonoran sands. Each area encompasses a different unique game, so skillful aim is required to play in the region of a player's choosing and score points on your dry-erase sheet! But watch out for other players eager to bump discs to score points for themselves.
—description from the publisher
Year Published
2020
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 8
This page: 8
Sentiment:
pos 7 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 1
Showing 1–8 of 8
Video 1fXi5cwfbvM
Allies or Enemies top_100_list at 19:06 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61190 · mention_pk 153861
Click to watch at 19:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- unique mix of flicking and writing
- high player engagement due to simultaneous actions
Cons
- flicking skill adds a variance factor
Thematic elements
- fast, spatial dexterity with simultaneous input
- flick-and-write tilting/area control game
- compact, immediate scoring
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flicking — throw discs to determine where to write points
- roll-and-write-like scoring — translate flick results into a writing/score sheet
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's the long game versus the short game
- it's a really fun dice puzzle
- the depth grows the more you play
- it's a legacy you can actually finish in a campaign
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video zldwtvtG2z8
Board Game Animal game_review at 0:33 sentiment: positive
video_pk 40439 · mention_pk 151372
Click to watch at 0:33 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong aura-filled art and theme
- deep strategy in a compact two-player package
- high variety with multiple map setups and enemy clans
- cohesive integration of mythic flavor into mechanics
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- two rival factions share a common enemy; area control with deity upgrades
- Ancient Ireland mythos
- mythic, aura-filled
Comparison games
- Blood Rage
- Ank
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — compete for influence across map regions; end-game scoring by era
- area_control — compete for influence across map regions; end-game scoring by era
- Compound Scoring — points awarded for influence across ancient Ireland at end of each era
- deity_tiles_and_actions — players select and upgrade deity abilities; perform actions on their turns
- enemy_clans_as_shared_threat — three enemy clans operate against both players, raising tension and competition
- era_scoring — points awarded for influence across ancient Ireland at end of each era
- turn_structure_with_enemy_activation — player turns followed by enemy turns; activation cards drive enemy actions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Imagine you love massive area control games in the ilk of Blood Rage or Ank, but in one perfectly tuned for two players compact package with the most aura-filled art you could ask for.
- In Motora, you're exploring the mythology of ancient Ireland.
- The flow of this game is super smooth as you place a stone by satisfying the cost of the space, gather the benefits from the space, and gaining the favor of the auspicious beasts.
- Azure is a standout abstract strategy game that looks regal and classy.
- Perhaps foolishly at this point, I continue to be startled by Bitewing's ability to bring games to the hobby. Gazebo, Iliad, etc., and now with Azure that feel like classic oldworld masterpieces that have been long hidden and resurrected now.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 0VS48S7l_1A
Murf Brothers top_10_list at 8:36 sentiment: positive
video_pk 29568 · mention_pk 86846
Click to watch at 8:36 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Energetic and tactile because of flicking
- Strong combo potential and chaining effects
- Interesting take on the roll-and-write concept
Cons
- Dexterity element may frustrate some players
- Can become chaotic with multiple players
Thematic elements
- Cross-regional placement and action chaining
- Dexterity-tinged roll-and-write with a crokinole-flavored board
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Dexterity/trajectory-based actions — Flick discs onto a crokinole-like board; optimize region-based choices and chain actions for better outcomes.
- Flicking — Flick discs onto a crokinole-like board; optimize region-based choices and chain actions for better outcomes.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- 'this is a rolling right I was going to say a Rollright version of TI4'
- 'a flicking disc crokinole style is fun'
- 'it's super duper fun'
- 'we are huge Lord of the Rings fans'
- 'Draft & Write Records is my favorite roll right right now'
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video kRtFqz3DIFw
Might I Suggest top_10_list at 5:06 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12908 · mention_pk 37760
Click to watch at 5:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Unique hybrid of dexterity and roll-and-write
- Compact footprint with engaging decisions
Cons
- Dexterity-heavy may not suit all players
- Table presence requirements
Thematic elements
- dexterity and rolling and writing
- frontier exploration
- hybrid game design
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dexterity — Physical skill element integrated into gameplay
- roll-and-write — Players simulate exploration through dice and note-taking
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- zia is chaotic it's exciting it's cruel it's beautiful and it's everything in between
- if you want to make the most out of your four and a half hour gaming window and you want a robust deep space experience
- it's labeling it a green legacy game and promising a full reset at campaign end
- this has been a mind at suggested game production and i'm alex your board game sommelier signing off
- Sonora is a combination of a dexterity and a roll and write game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video -TagEoSTQN8
Chairman of the Board top_20_list at 8:42 sentiment: negative
video_pk 12901 · mention_pk 37724
Click to watch at 8:42 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
negative
Pros
- Unique dexterity/disc flicking concept
Cons
- Flicking is too forgiving; board setup leads to neglected spaces
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- "I find these styles of games quite frustrating because whatever you do somebody else on their terms ends up undoing"
- "I can't seem to understand why these games are so popular"
- "Massively impressed with this one"
- "an absolute joy to play"
- "I adore this game"
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Gw0DgwpayFA
The Brothers Murf top_10_list at 5:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9805 · mention_pk 28922
Click to watch at 5:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Combo-heavy and satisfying chain scoring
- Beautiful aesthetic, unique take on flicking/roll-and-write
Cons
- Flicking precision required; can be fiddly for some players
- Rules can be dense for newcomers
Thematic elements
- flick-and-write with regional region scores
- desert region with four flickable areas
- sunset aesthetic, desert vibe
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flicking — flicking discs onto a central board to activate regions
- roll-and-write hybrid — discs populate a personal sheet with region-based scoring
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Dexterity games are just silly fun.
- Croconol is one of the greatest games ever made. It's the greatest dexterity game ever made.
- I defy anyone to not enjoy themselves playing this game.
- Clask is just more fun than it has any right to be.
- It's insane. I love flip ships.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video tfTYMCE0lJ8
Might I Suggest A Game game_review at 1:09 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9313 · mention_pk 27484
Click to watch at 1:09 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Innovative mashup of dexterity (flicking) and roll-and-write scoring
- Easy to teach and quick to learn out of the box
- Depth and strategy emerge as you play, not just luck
- Rich decision points with several bonuses and scoring paths
Cons
- Pace can be brisk, which may cause analysis paralysis for some players
- Some versions' rulebooks were unclear about bonuses; updated rules are more helpful
Thematic elements
- Desert exploration with a blend of dexterity and planning to navigate scoring quadrants
- Desert canyon environment with cliff dweller ruins, creek bed, canyon, and mud cracks scoring zones
- Abstract strategic flavor with light thematic framing around a desert landscape
Comparison games
- Ice Cool
- Clever
- Jenga
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Bonus economy — Reflect bonuses allow a re-roll attempt; swap bonuses let players swap discs; wild disc in the middle acts as a flexible scoring option.
- Compound Scoring — Scores are calculated by quadrant with different rules (ruins, creek bed, canyon, mud cracks).
- end game bonuses — Reflect bonuses allow a re-roll attempt; swap bonuses let players swap discs; wild disc in the middle acts as a flexible scoring option.
- Flicking — Players flick discs to land on board quadrants and trigger bonuses and scoring areas.
- Flicking dexterity — Players flick discs to land on board quadrants and trigger bonuses and scoring areas.
- Quadrant-based spatial scoring — Scores are calculated by quadrant with different rules (ruins, creek bed, canyon, mud cracks).
- Roll-and-write scoring — In the writing phase, players translate landed discs into points on a score sheet divided into four quadrants.
- Round-based rotation — Board rotates to change starting positions; game plays over multiple rounds (5–7).
- Turn Order: Progressive — Board rotates to change starting positions; game plays over multiple rounds (5–7).
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Sonora is a mashup of two awesome mechanics that I didn't know I needed until I played it.
- It's a mashup of two awesome mechanics that I didn't know I needed until I played it.
- This is a game you learn as you play.
- If you're looking for a dexterity game that has a little bit more strategy than your typical Jenga.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video B1-By2lSlTY
Foster the Meeple top_10_list at 10:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3183 · mention_pk 9362
Click to watch at 10:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- visually appealing and engaging
- easy to pick up for non-gamers
- compact and social
Cons
- scoring puzzles may challenge some players
- flicking requires space and can be noisy
Thematic elements
- desert/arena-style competition with colorful discs
- Dexterity flick-and-right style environment
- playful, quick, tangible
Comparison games
- Crocodile
- Bones or Flick Spots
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area scoring — different scoring quadrants yield varying rewards.
- dexterity / flicking — players flick discs into scoring zones for points.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's just a word game it's very very fun
- mom loves auctions
- it's a perfect family gathering game
- this is Azul, a tile board builder
- moms love auctions
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–8 of 8