Review
“A really thinky, really satisfying diplomatic wargame” - MarcoOmniGamer, Crescent Moon (Osprey) Review
“I am delighted that Crescent Moon is kind of giving us a setting that feels fresh.” - Shut Up & Sit Down, Podcast #177: Asymmetrical Arguing
“Crescent Moon manages to … stand alone as a fascinating and engrossing board game in its own right.” - Dicebreaker, Crescent Moon Feature
“Ever since I played this game I can't stop thinking about it, and when a game just sits in my mind … then it's something that meant a lot to me … it's definitely in my list for game of the year … I haven't played any other game this year that has blown me away as much as this one has.” - Rolling Dice & Taking Names, Episode 256
“The thing about Crescent Moon that makes it so special is the fact that every single player position right at the start of the game is entangled … When it's not my turn I am just as engaged in the negotiation as when it is my turn and I think that's what I love most about Crescent Moon.” - Lord of the Board, Crescent Moon Review
“The great thing about this game is the symbiotic relationships between the factions … from our demo we all walked away very, very impressed.” - Polyhedron Collider, UK Games Expo 2022 Wrap-up
“A game of impressive depth and complexity, but which comes with a slim set of rules that are easy to learn … a gloriously immersive, mind-massaging experience.” - Dan Jolin, Senet Magazine, Issue 8
“The whole thing has us wanting to play it over and over.” - Staying In Podcast, Episode 154
“The most innately accessible wargame I’ve played … a really clever, really good wargame-lite.” - Punchboard, Crescent Moon Review
“I've very few bad things to say about this modern classic in the making … when a game looks this gorgeous and rewards such dynamic play styles, it's certainly worth a look.” - Matthew Vernall, Tabletop Gaming Magazine, June 2022
As the sun rises over the deserts, rivers, and oases of the Caliphate, a delicate balance has been upset. As one of many rival powers in the region, you now have the opportunity to alter the course of history and seize power for yourself. The ambitious Sultan sits in a golden palace, presiding over great works of architecture. The secretive Murshid works to covertly undermine the central authorities through an expansive network of agents. The wandering tribes of the Nomad aim to sow discord in order to secure employment for their experienced mercenary citizenry. The ravaging forces of the Warlord sweep across the land, chasing after promises of plunder. And, in the face of chaos and uncertainty, the Caliph aims to preserve order through military might. Will you successfully navigate this web of rivalries and rise to prominence, or will you squabble with your lesser adversaries and fade into obscurity?
Crescent Moon is an area control game for four or five players. Take on the role of one of five radically asymmetric characters, each with their own objectives to fulfil, unique actions to utilise, and game-changing special powers to employ. Build symbiotic relationships with your allies, undermine your rivals, and choose your friends and enemies wisely in this cut-throat game of power and politics.
Number of players: 4-5
Ages: 14+
Play time: 150-180 minutes
Components: 59 Custom Wooden Pieces, 5 Player Booklets, 82 Cards, 62 Wooden Discs, 16 Hexes, 5 Cloth Bags, 196 Tokens