Archaeology (2007) Board Game

Archaeology is a board game designed by Phil Walker-Harding and released in in 2007. The game is set in the world of archaeology, where players take on the role of archaeologists in search of ancient artifacts. The game combines elements of set collection and open drafting, making for a strategic and engaging gameplay experience. With a runtime of 20 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and up, Archaeology is a great choice for a quick and fun gaming session.

Game Components of Archaeology

Game box

Playing board

Card box

93 satin-finish cards, including treasure cards, sandstorm cards, thief cards, and map cards

40 money tokens

Rules of play booklet

High score log book

How To Setup Archaeology

To set up the game, each player starts with four treasure cards and one tent card. Five additional cards from the deck are placed face-up on the table to form the starting marketplace. The remaining cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Set Collection: Players collect sets of various artifacts to sell to the museum.

Marketplace Trading: Players can exchange cards from their hand with cards in the marketplace based on their innate values.

Press-Your-Luck: Players must decide whether to risk drawing more cards or selling their current sets to avoid losing cards due to sandstorms.

Thieves and Sandstorms: Special cards that can steal cards from other players or force players to discard half of their hand.

Game Objective:

The objective is to end up with the highest total value of treasures sold to the museum by collecting and trading cards strategically.

Player Experience

Players take turns “digging” by drawing a card from the deck, then deciding whether to sell their treasure cards, exchange cards with the marketplace, or pass their turn. The game is filled with suspense due to the random occurrence of sandstorms and thieves, which can significantly impact gameplay. The addition of monument tiles in the newer edition, *Archaeology: The New Expedition*, adds more variability to the game mechanics.

Pros

Easy to Learn and Play: Simple setup and rules make it accessible to players of all ages (10 and up).

Portable: The game is compact and easy to carry.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game offers strategic decisions, especially regarding marketplace trades and risk management.

Theme: The ancient Egyptian theme is charming and well-illustrated.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game includes a significant element of luck, particularly with sandstorms and thieves.

Card Alignment: In the original version, the direction of card backs can sometimes reveal special cards, which can be a minor annoyance during setup.

Game Length: While the game is generally quick (15-20 minutes), it can sometimes feel slow with fewer players.

Personal Thoughts on Archaeology

**Archaeology** is ideal for those who enjoy light, fun card games with a touch of strategy. It’s perfect for families or casual gamers looking for a quick, engaging experience. The game scales well between 2 to 4 players, making it versatile for different group sizes. For fans of set-collection games and ancient history, **Archaeology** offers a delightful and entertaining experience.

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