Septima

Septima

FantasyMythology
Players
1-4
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
3 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
100 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
12+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
3.7 / 5
Year
2023

About the game

Septima casts players as witches competing to become the successor to the Septima, the High Witch, in the town of Noctenburg. Using simultaneous, secret action selection across nine possible actions, you'll collect herbs, brew potions, heal townsfolk, and rescue fellow witches from trial: but acting alongside rivals raises suspicion and draws the Witch Hunters' attention. Rescued witches join your coven, each bringing a unique ability, letting your team grow to up to four members. From Mindclash Games, it's a beautifully illustrated, semi-cooperative strategy experience.

Hobbli's Notes

Septima's simultaneous action-selection system is its standout feature: the choice of whether to share an action with a rival for a bonus, at the cost of raising suspicion together, creates genuinely fresh social tension in a competitive game. The witch-and-coven theme is gorgeously realized, and Mindclash's reputation for polish shows throughout. At nearly two hours and a fairly high complexity rating, it's best suited to groups already comfortable with heavier strategy games.

What we like

  • Simultaneous action selection creates fresh semi-cooperative tension.
  • Coven-building adds personalized character progression.
  • Gorgeous hand-drawn art and strong theming.
  • Solo mode extends accessibility beyond group play.

Keep in mind

  • High complexity and near two-hour runtime demand a committed group.
  • Simultaneous selection may require careful bookkeeping to track suspicion.
  • Newer strategy gamers may find the action interplay overwhelming at first.

Who it's for

Ages 14+ experienced strategy gamers who enjoy semi-cooperative mechanics and rich fantasy theming; best with 2-4 players.

Mechanics

Hand ManagementSimultaneous Action SelectionVariable Player Powers

Games similar to Septima