Giza: The Great Pyramid (2012) Board Game

Giza: The Great Pyramid’ is a board game released in 2012, designed by David Cochard and published by Mayfair Games. The game is set in ancient Egypt, where players take on the role of builders competing to construct the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Game Components of Giza: The Great Pyramid

Game Board: Attractively produced with Egyptian-looking artwork and symbols.

Cardboard Bits: Thick and linen-textured, though single-sided which can look unattractive on the back.

Wooden Bits: Hefty and solid feeling.

Plastic Pyramid: Comprised of 9 parts including 4 lower levels, 4 middle levels, and 1 capstone. Also includes 4 sleds and a Second Dynasty Turn Order Tile.

Other Components: Food and art tokens, worker pieces, and various other game-specific tokens.

How To Setup Giza: The Great Pyramid

To set up the game, each player starts by receiving some food and art tokens. Each player then places their 8-10 workers in various work areas on the board, such as fishing and farming, the Temple of Ra, the artist camp, the quarries, or the lifting camps. A sled is placed in each quarry with a pyramid stone on it. The turn order is determined by players choosing roles on the turn order track, each providing different benefits.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Earn points by contributing to the construction of Pharaoh’s pyramid.

Turn Order: Players choose roles that offer benefits such as instant worker movement, extra fishing or farming, or creating art.

Nominating Stones: Players nominate stones to be moved from quarries or lifting camps, requiring a minimum of 3 workers and a food bid to avoid starvation penalties.

Moving Stones: Stones are moved based on food bids, with successful moves earning victory points (VPs) and the stone being placed in the pyramid or moved to the next location.

Decorating Rows: When a row of the pyramid is completed, players bid art to earn VPs.

Religious Ceremonies: When a tier of the pyramid is completed, players earn VPs based on the number of workers in the Temple of Ra.

Player Experience

**Giza: The Great Pyramid** offers a rich and challenging experience, requiring players to balance labor, resource management, and strategic planning. Players must manage their workers effectively, ensure they have enough food to avoid penalties, and bid strategically to maximize their points. The game’s thematic depth and the physical construction of the pyramid add to its immersive and visually appealing nature.

Pros

Thematic Integration: The game’s theme is well-integrated with the mechanics, creating an immersive experience.

Component Quality: High-quality components, including the plastic pyramid and wooden bits, enhance the game’s appeal.

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and resource management, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex for new players, requiring a significant amount of time to learn and master the rules.

Single-Sided Cardboard Bits: The cardboard bits are single-sided, which can look unattractive on the back.

Personal Thoughts on Giza: The Great Pyramid

**Giza: The Great Pyramid** is ideal for fans of worker-placement games and those who enjoy complex, strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate thematic games with high-quality components. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, easy-to-learn game. For experienced gamers, it offers a compelling and engaging experience that requires careful strategy and resource management.

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