Temple of the Beastmen

Temple of the Beastmen is a board game published in 1989 by Game Designers’ Workshop. It is set in the Space 1889 RPG universe, where players take the role of one of ten adventurers leading an expedition to explore the levels of a temple on Mars. The game is a boxed modular board game that never plays the same way twice.

Game Components of Temple of the Beastmen

Game Board: Composed of tiles that are shuffled and placed face-down to form a 5-level deep mine shaft.

Character Cards: Each player has a unique character with special abilities and scoring methods.

Discovery Deck: Drives the game’s progress, including discoveries, traps, and combats.

Martian Enemy Tokens: Representing the adversaries players must face.

Loot and Goodies: Various items and treasures to be collected.

How To Setup Temple of the Beastmen

To set up the game, players start by shuffling and placing the mine shaft tiles face-down to create the 5-level deep mine. Each player selects a character and receives their respective character card. The discovery deck is shuffled and placed within reach. Players then begin their expedition at the entrance of the mine.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players move through the mine, turning over tiles to reveal passages and rooms.

Combat: Fighting off Martian baddies encountered during the expedition.

Discovery: Using the discovery deck to find hidden passages, set off traps, or engage in combat.

Loot Collection: Gathering goodies and treasures.

Character Abilities: Utilizing special abilities to score extra points or overcome challenges.

Endgame Timer: The discovery deck acts as a timer; when depleted, players must rush to the surface to end the game.

Objective: Rescue slaves, gather loot, and score points based on character-specific achievements.

Player Experience

In **Temple of the Beastmen**, players embark on an adventurous expedition through the Martian mines, navigating unknown dangers and opportunities. The game combines elements of exploration, combat, and resource management, making each playthrough unique due to the shuffled tiles and discovery deck. Players must strategically use their character’s special abilities to maximize their score and overcome the challenges posed by the Martian environment.

Pros

High Replayability: Random tile placement and the discovery deck ensure each game is different.

Unique Characters: Special abilities and scoring methods add a layer of depth to character selection.

Immersive Theme: The 19th-Century Mars setting provides a rich and unique backdrop for the game.

Interactive Gameplay: Combats, discoveries, and loot collection keep players engaged.

Cons

Complex Setup: The tile placement and deck shuffling can be time-consuming.

Luck Factor: The random nature of the discovery deck can sometimes feel unfair.

Limited Player Control: Some aspects of the game are driven by chance, reducing player control.

Personal Thoughts on Temple of the Beastmen

**Temple of the Beastmen** is ideal for fans of dungeon crawlers and science fiction settings. It offers a blend of strategy and luck, making it appealing to players who enjoy a mix of exploration and combat. The game’s unique setting and character mechanics add a fresh twist to the traditional dungeon crawler genre. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with minimal luck and more predictable outcomes.

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