60 Seconds Toy Review: Skulls of Sedlec, by Button Shy / Even Toys and Games

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Skulls of Sedlec, by Button Shy / Even Toys and Games - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Wallet card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Older kids/ adults that love strategy card games with COOL theme

I can’t believe I am saying this, but I’m in love with this graveyard-theme game full of pictures of skulls (I know, unbelievable!). Today, I would love to share about “Skulls of Sedlec” by Button Shy (thank you Even Toys and Games for providing a copy!).

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Based On True Historical Place - The Sedlec Ossuary In Czech Republic

This game is based on a true historical place - the spine-tingly Sedlec Ossuary in Czech Republic. The burial ground with holy soil had become too overcrowded following the Black Plague and Hussite Wars. In around 1400s onwards, bodies were dug up, and it was said that a half-blind monk re-arranged the bones and skulls into pyramids inside the crypt. The game nicely touches on the historical story of rearrangement of skulls; the aim is to compete to create the best pyramid arrangement of skulls and earn points by respecting “the deceased’s last wishes”. I am loving the unique and remarkable thematic ties!

(2) A Game With 18 Cards Focuses On Strategy Element/ Tactical Moves

As per Button Shy’s usual style, the game comes with 18 cards. Each card depicts 2 of the 5 types of skull. On your turn, you can do one of three things: Dig (flip 2 top cards face-up and choose one of them to put in hand), Collect (choose a face-up card and put it in hand, with a hand limit of 2 cards), or Stack (place a card into stack). For scoring, criminals score 2 points for being next to priest, peasants score 1 point apiece, romantics score 3 points each when paired with another romantics, priests score point for each row of the pyramid they’re in, and Royal score point for having peasants and other royals below them in the pyramid. The rules are not overly-complicated, but there are so much decision-making and tactical moves involved within - exactly that sort of game I love!

(3) Includes Expansion Sets With More Cards

This version from Even Toys And Games comes with 3 expansion sets. You get additional skulls like “Zealots” (1 point per priest above or below), “Merchant” (2 points per adjacent peasant but minus 2 points per adjacent criminal), and “Champion” (1 point per connected skull type).