Teotihuacan: City of Gods (2018) Board Game

Teotihuacan: City of Gods is a board game that takes players back to the ancient city of Teotihuacan, located in what is now Mexico. This city was one of the largest urban centers in the pre-Columbian Americas, flourishing from around 100 BCE to 650 CE. The game captures the essence of this ancient civilization, with players taking on the roles of rulers overseeing the construction and development of the city.

Game Components of Teotihuacan: City of Gods

Modular board

Worker dice that grow in strength

Location tiles with dual actions or bonuses

Technologies and temple steps

Houses and Pyramid of the Sun components

Resource tokens and Eclipse marker

Variable player powers and expansions.

How To Setup Teotihuacan: City of Gods

Setting up Teotihuacan involves creating a variable board by placing location tiles, which changes the layout for each game. Players start by placing their worker dice on the starting area of the board. The game includes several components that need to be organized, such as resource tokens, technologies, and temple steps. The setup ensures a unique experience each time the game is played.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Movement: Players move a single worker around a circular track, increasing the worker’s value.

Dual Actions: Choose between an action (with a worker upgrade) or a powerful bonus (without an upgrade).

Resource Management: Manage resources to develop technologies, build houses, and construct the Pyramid of the Sun.

Temple Climbing: Climb the steps of the three great temples.

Era Evaluations: The game is divided into three eras, with player efforts evaluated at the end of each era.

Fame: The player with the most fame, earned through various achievements, wins the game.

Player Experience

Teotihuacan: City of Gods offers a complex and engaging experience with deep strategic layers. Players must carefully plan their moves to optimize resources and actions, making it a game that rewards forward thinking. The variable setup and multiple paths to victory enhance replayability, but the game’s complexity can be overwhelming for new players. It is well-suited for fans of worker placement and Euro strategy games.

Pros

Replayability: Variable board setup and multiple strategies to victory.

Depth: Complex decisions and resource management.

Theme: Immersive ancient civilization theme.

Components: High-quality components, including the modular board and worker dice.

Expansions: Supported by expansions to tweak the gameplay experience.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players.

Limited Interaction: Limited player interaction, mostly focused on blocking spaces and racing to objectives.

Fiddly Mechanics: Keeping track of all the “micro transactions” can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on Teotihuacan: City of Gods

Teotihuacan: City of Gods is ideal for fans of medium to heavy-weight strategy games, particularly those who enjoy worker placement and resource management. It is not the best choice for those seeking high social interaction or a casual gaming experience. The game’s intricate mechanics and deep strategy make it a great fit for players who enjoy complex, intellectually stimulating games. If you’re looking for a game that challenges you and rewards meticulous planning, Teotihuacan: City of Gods is an excellent choice.

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