Sidibaba (2008) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sidibaba is a web-published board game that was released in in 2008. Designed by Perepau Llistosella and illustrated by David Revoy, this game falls under the categories of Ancient, Arabian, Maze, Mythology, Print & Play, Real-time. It is designed for 3-7 players, with a recommended age of 14 and above.

Game Components of Sidibaba

Game board

Character cards

Master of Thieves screen

Cave tiles

Treasure tokens

Disaster cards

Torches (time-tracking mechanism)

Player tokens

How To Setup Sidibaba

To set up Sidibaba, one player takes on the role of the Master of Thieves (MoT) and sits behind a screen. The MoT sets up the cave layout using cave tiles, which remains hidden from the other players. Each player chooses a character and places their token at the entrance of the cave. The MoT distributes the necessary materials, such as torches and player tokens, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Mechanic: Players have a limited amount of time to negotiate and make decisions as their torches can go out one by one.

Cooperative-Competitive: Players work together to navigate the cave but only one player can claim the treasure.

Memory and Laterality: Players must create a mental map of the cave based on the pictures shown by the MoT.

Objective: The team must find the treasure and escape the cave. However, only the lead player who finds the treasure wins.

Player Experience

Playing Sidibaba is a dynamic and intense experience. The game moves rapidly, requiring quick decisions and teamwork. While players work together to map out the cave, the competitive aspect adds a layer of tension and strategy. The MoT role is particularly engaging as it involves setting up challenges and guiding the game without revealing too much to the other players.

Pros

Unique Blend of Cooperative and Competitive Elements: Makes the game engaging for both team players and competitive enthusiasts.

Real-Time Mechanics: Adds urgency and excitement to the gameplay.

High Replayability: Different cave layouts and player roles ensure a new experience each time.

Fun for a Variety of Player Counts: Supports 3-7 players, making it versatile for different group sizes.

Cons

Short Gameplay Sessions: Games are relatively quick, which might not be satisfying for players looking for longer sessions.

Limited Component Value: Some players feel the components do not justify higher price points.

Rapid Decision-Making: Can be overwhelming for players who prefer more strategic, slower-paced games.

Personal Thoughts on Sidibaba

Sidibaba is ideal for gamers who enjoy unique mechanics and a mix of cooperative and competitive gameplay. It’s a great addition for those looking to spice up their game collection with something different. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking games with high component quality or longer, more strategic gameplay sessions. For groups that enjoy real-time decision-making and quick, thrilling experiences, Sidibaba is a solid choice.

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