New Releases: Quirios Games on Tabletopia

Welcome to the world of New Releases on Tabletopia!

 

This year, you’re in for a treat with the amazing games from Quirios — a Quebec-based company passionate about creating unique and captivating board games inspired by ancient civilizations. All of Quirios' games are designed and produced in Quebec, with a special focus on local art and resources. These games are now available for you to enjoy on Tabletopia.

Digital formats open up new possibilities for convenience and accessibility in your gaming experience. You can play your favorite games anytime, anywhere, without worrying about setup or cleanup. Tabletopia allows you to immerse yourself in the game and interact with its elements as if you were playing in real life, all while being just one click away from your friends around the world.

Now, let’s explore these fantastic games that will transport you into the world of ancient strategies.

 

 

KNOSSOS

 

Knossos is an ancient Greek board game with historical significance, though its exact rules are not entirely established. The game is played on a board with squares representing the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead, where players aim to move their pieces across these realms and back to life. The rules have been reconstructed from archaeological findings, and there are variations, making each game slightly different. The outcome is determined by both strategy and chance, as players use sticks to decide how far to move their pieces.

Fun Facts:

• The name “Knossos” refers to the ancient Minoan palace on the island of Crete, reflecting the game's cultural roots.

• The game’s theme is based on the journey between life and the afterlife, symbolizing a spiritual passage similar to other ancient games.

• Archaeological evidence suggests the game may have had a ritualistic or symbolic function, possibly linked to spiritual beliefs in the afterlife.

• The exact rules of the game remain unclear, with various interpretations based on ancient texts and findings, creating a sense of mystery around the gameplay.

 

 

SENET

 

Senet is an ancient Egyptian board game, with roots going back as far as 3100 BCE. The game is played on a board with three rows of ten squares, where players aim to move their pieces across the board and remove them from play. The game’s rules have been reconstructed from ancient texts, and there are variations, making each game slightly different. The outcome combines both strategy and chance, as players use sticks to determine how far to move their pieces.

Fun Facts:

• The name “Senet” means “the passage” in ancient Egyptian, referencing the symbolic journey between life and the afterlife.

• Senet boards were often found in tombs, suggesting the game’s importance in Egyptian culture, possibly connected to spiritual beliefs.

• The game’s exact rules are not known, and several interpretations exist based on archaeological findings.

• Senet may have been played as a ritual game, symbolizing the soul’s journey through the afterlife.

 

 

MEHEN

 

Mehen is an ancient Egyptian board game inspired by the serpent god Mehen, who was believed to coil around the cabin of Ra's boat, protecting him on his journey to the afterlife. The game reflects this mythology, where players journey along a coiled path symbolizing the snake’s protective role.

Fun Facts:

• The game board depicts a coiled serpent, with the tail as the start and the head as the finish. Players navigate their pieces along this winding path, aiming to reach the head of the snake.

• In Egyptian mythology, Mehen was associated with protection and rebirth, making this game a symbolic journey toward the afterlife.

• The game includes unique mechanics where pieces can propel forward by landing on the same space as their own or an opponent's pieces, or even be sent back to the starting point.

 

 

UR

 

UR is a historical strategy game inspired by the ancient Mesopotamian Royal Game of Ur. Players race to move their pieces across the board, aiming to reach the goal squares while avoiding their opponent's traps. The game combines strategic decision-making with an element of luck, making each move crucial. Players take turns based on the throw of dice, adding an unpredictable twist to the gameplay.

Fun Facts:

• UR dates back to around 2600 BCE and was discovered in the royal tombs of Ur, an ancient Sumerian city.

• The game is believed to be an ancestor of modern games like Backgammon, blending strategy with chance.

• The game board features 20 squares in a unique cross pattern, which differentiates it from other ancient games.

• Originally played by the elites of Mesopotamia, UR was both a strategic pastime and a status symbol.

 

 

SURAKARTA

 

Surakarta is a thrilling two-player Indonesian board game, inspired by the city of Surakarta on the island of Java. The game features a unique and exciting pawn-capturing mechanism, making each move strategic and engaging.

Fun Facts:

• In Indonesia, players traditionally use shells and stones as game pieces, drawing the board on the ground or using cardboard or paper. However, any items you have on hand – such as bottle caps, checkers, or even coins – can be used to play.

• The game’s captivating loop capture mechanism adds an element of surprise, with players moving around the board’s corners to capture their opponent’s pieces.

• The center of the board is a key strategic area, as pawns positioned there can use multiple loops to capture, while those in the corners are more vulnerable.

 

 

MOLA

 

Mola is an ancient strategy game with origins dating back to the Middle Ages and even to ancient Rome, where its game board was already in use. Known as jeu du charret in Switzerland, Mola is widespread worldwide under various names, including jeu des mérelles, Mühle in Germany, and Nine Men's Morris in Great Britain and the United States. The game’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and strategic depth, making it timeless across different cultures and eras.

Fun Facts:

• The game board consists of three nested squares and 24 intersections, creating a strategic grid for players to outsmart each other.

• Mola's popularity has endured for centuries, evolving under different names in many countries.

• The game’s simplicity belies its deep strategic elements, where careful planning and foresight are essential to victory.

 

 

BLOUP

 

Dive headfirst into the ocean of environmental absurdity with Bloup! Transform your game board into a true ecological disaster, without lifting a finger! Empty your toxic barrel reserves faster than the ice caps melt – after all, who needs to save the planet when you can just turn it into a game?

Fun Facts:

• Bloup is a game where players race to empty their toxic barrels, all while avoiding environmental responsibility.

• The game uses dice and barrel placement mechanics to create unexpected, chaotic outcomes, reflecting the unpredictable nature of pollution.

• The barrels can cluster together during the game, offering more opportunities for strategic plays and turns.

• The winner, crowned as the biggest polluter, gets to clean up the game – proving that there's no honor in being the best of the worst.

 

 

KONEK

 

Konek is a strategic board game designed for 2-3 players, where the objective is to move your tokens around the board while navigating obstacles and capturing your opponent's pieces. The game combines elements of strategy, chance, and tactics, making each move crucial.

Fun Facts:

• Konek is played on a grid of 36 squares, with 24 tokens distributed among the players, and 3 blockers (cubes) used to influence the flow of the game.

• The game allows players to move their tokens horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, creating multiple strategies and approaches.

• Tokens can exit the board and return from the opposite side, adding an element of surprise and dynamic gameplay.

• The use of blockers and the unique movement mechanics ensure that no two games are ever alike, keeping players on their toes.

 

 

MANCALA

 

Mancala is an ancient sowing game with roots that some believe date back over 3,000 years. While its exact origins remain debated, many historical versions of the game have been found across Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. Players "sow" small objects like pebbles, beans, or shells into holes in the sand or on a board. With simple rules and fast gameplay, Mancala is a strategy game that challenges the mind!

Fun Facts:

• Mancala is designed for two players, ages 7 and up.

• The game is played with 48 tokens (such as stones or seeds), where the color does not affect gameplay.

• The objective is to capture more seeds than your opponent by strategically sowing them across your side of the board.

• The game moves in a counterclockwise direction, and players alternate turns, carefully distributing seeds to outsmart their opponent.

• The first player to capture all of their opponent’s tokens, or to collect more tokens in their granary, wins the game.

 

 

FANORONA

 

Fanorona is a well-known Malagasy board game, often compared to checkers due to its similar strategic gameplay.

The game is steeped in legend, with different stories about its origins. One version claims it was created by Prince Andriantompokoindrindra in the 1600s, while another suggests it was invented by the first inhabitants of Madagascar. The most widely accepted theory, however, is that Fanorona is a derivative of Alquerque, a game introduced by Arab merchants. The oldest known Fanorona board was found in Antananarivo, specifically in Alasora, and dates back to between 1500 and 1600.

Fun Facts:

• Fanorona is played on a rectangular 5x9 grid, with 45 intersection points where the pieces are placed.

• Each player has 22 pieces, placed on their half of the board, and the middle point is where the first move occurs.

• The objective is to capture all of your opponent's pieces using two methods: "percussion" (moving forward to eliminate an opposing piece) and "aspiration" (moving backward to capture an opponent's piece).

• If both capture options are available, the player must decide which to use and inform their opponent, who will then remove the captured pieces.

• Strategic play often begins with small captures, as it avoids leaving too many open spots for the opponent to exploit later on.

 

 

OLIGARK

 

Welcome to an exclusive VIP club where you’re not just a player, you're a MEMBER! Oligark is a strategy game for 2 to 6 players, aged 12 and up, where you must navigate the murky world of finance, politics, and power. The goal? Control your wealth, keep your debt low, and make decisions that could change the world… or just your bank account.

Fun Facts:

• In Oligark, players take on the roles of heads of state, bankers, politicians, and even criminals, all vying for dominance in a world of power and influence.

• You’ll negotiate, vote, form alliances, and make shady deals to line your pockets — all while navigating the complexities of global politics and economics.

• The game features a magnificent board with a world map and refugee camps, and six accounting tables to track your personal finances and those of your opponents.

• Strategy is key — but so is knowing when to take risks, wage war, or abandon your morals to achieve victory.

 

 

 

Why Play Quirios Games on Tabletopia?

 

With Tabletopia, Quirios games — created for history and strategy enthusiasts — are now available anytime and anywhere. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of ancient civilizations, engage in historical battles, and discover the world of ancient games with your friends!

 

Ready for an adventure?

Dive into the world of Quirios on Tabletopia and discover captivating games that have survived for centuries, yet remain timeless and relevant.