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Forbidden Desert (2013) Board Game

ByMichail

Forbidden Desert is a cooperative board game designed by Matt Leacock, known for his work on other popular cooperative games like Forbidden Island and Pandemic. Published by Gamewright in 2013, Forbidden Desert has garnered positive reviews for its challenging gameplay and unique theme of surviving a desert storm.

Game Components of Forbidden Desert

  • 49 cards: Storm cards, equipment cards, and adventurer cards.
  • 48 sand markers: Yellow plus-shaped tiles that hinder player movement.
  • 24 desert tiles: Two-sided, with one side showing a desert landscape and the other a city.
  • 6 pawns: Corresponding to each player’s color.
  • 5 water level markers: To track players’ water levels.
  • 4 flying machine parts: Compass, Engine, Propeller, and Solar Crystal.
  • 1 flying machine model**.
  • 1 sand storm meter: With a stand and level marker.
  • Role cards: Each player receives one, detailing their special abilities.

    How To Setup Forbidden Desert

    To set up the game, players create a 5×5 grid with the desert tiles, leaving a central space for the storm. Sand markers are placed in a diamond formation on the board. Each player selects a role card and places their pawn at the crash site. The storm level is set according to the chosen difficulty (Novice, Normal, Extreme, Legendary). The gear deck and storm deck are shuffled and placed off to the side. The water level markers are given to each player.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: Find the four missing parts of the flying machine (Compass, Engine, Propeller, Solar Crystal) and escape from the launch pad.
  • Player Actions:
    – Move to an adjacent tile.
    – Remove sand markers from tiles.
    – Excavate tiles to reveal city landscapes and clues.
    – Pick up flying machine parts.

  • Storm Mechanics: Draw storm cards to move the storm, bury tiles in sand, and potentially block player movement.
  • Water Management: Players must manage their water levels, as running out of water results in death.
  • Equipment Cards: Special single-use cards that aid players in their mission.
  • Tunnel Mechanics: Tunnels protect players from losing water and allow movement between excavated tunnels.

    Player Experience

    Forbidden Desert offers a thrilling cooperative experience where players work together to survive the desert and find the flying machine parts. The game is known for its shifting board, which keeps the game unique with each playthrough. Players must coordinate their actions, use their special abilities wisely, and manage resources like water and equipment. The game’s blend of strategy and chance ensures high replayability.

    Pros

  • High Replayability: The game’s random setup and moving tiles ensure no two games are the same.
  • Cooperative Teamwork: Encourages players to work together and utilize their unique abilities.
  • Variable Difficulty: Players can choose from different difficulty levels.
  • Engaging Gameplay: A mix of strategy, chance, and puzzle-solving keeps players engaged.
  • Quality Components: Well-made components, including the diecast engine and embossed tin box.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: Initial setup and rule explanation can be a bit complex.
  • Resource Management: Managing water and sand can be challenging and requires careful planning.
  • Dependence on Luck: Storm cards and equipment draws can significantly impact gameplay, introducing an element of luck.

    Personal Thoughts on Forbidden Desert

    Forbidden Desert is ideal for families and groups looking for a cooperative game that challenges teamwork and strategy. It is suitable for players of all ages, particularly those who enjoy puzzle-solving and variable board setups. The game’s dynamic nature and high replayability make it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer competitive games or have difficulty with complex rule sets.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl