The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temples (2019) Board Game

The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temples is a standalone sequel to the popular deck-building board game The Quest for El Dorado. Designed by Reiner Knizia and published by Nasza Księgarnia in 2019, this game takes players on an exciting adventure through the jungle in search of the legendary Golden Temples of El Dorado.

Game Components of The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temples

1x Starting Tile

3x Terrain Tiles

3x Temples

1x Ending Tile

6x Blockades

8x Game Pieces

4x Expedition Boards

1x Starting Player Hat

1x Market Board

150x Expedition Cards

Gold coins for movement and purchasing cards

New terrain types indicated by torches (cavern areas)

How To Setup The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temples

Setting up the game involves creating a compact board layout where players must zigzag between temple areas. The game starts with predefined routes, ideal for beginners, and gradually becomes more complex. Players each receive an initial set of eight expedition cards, and the market board is set up with available cards for purchase. The new terrain tiles, temples, and blockades are arranged according to the specific layout for the current game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck-Building: Players build their deck by purchasing expedition cards from the market.

Movement: Players move their expedition through the jungle using cards that match the terrain types.

Gem Collection: The objective is to collect three mythical gemstones from the temples and return to the starting area.

Gold Mechanic: Gold coins can be used for movement on certain spaces or to aid in card purchases.

Variable Board: The game features a highly variable board with over 100,000 possible layouts.

Player Experience

The game offers a blend of strategy and adventure, making it engaging for players who enjoy deck-building and variable board setups. The new layout and gem collection mechanic ensure frequent interactions among players, enhancing the blocking and strategic elements. The game is designed for 2-4 players aged 10 and above and typically lasts about 60 minutes.

Pros

High Replay Value: With a highly variable board and numerous possible card combinations.

Strategic Depth: The game balances chance and strategy, making each decision crucial.

Engaging Mechanics: The gold coin mechanic and new terrain types add fresh challenges and strategies.

Compact Board: The zigzag layout reduces table space compared to the original game.

Cons

Complex Rules: The addition of gold coins introduces new rules, which can be confusing initially.

Terrain Card Imbalance: Players may sometimes feel stuck with the wrong terrain cards.

Additional Rules Questions: The first few games may involve several rules clarifications.

Personal Thoughts on The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temples

This game is ideal for fans of deck-building and adventure games who appreciate a mix of strategy and exploration. It is particularly suited for families and gamers looking for a game with high replay value and variable gameplay. While it builds upon the original, it stands well as a standalone game, though combining it with other expansions can enhance the experience further. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a simple, rules-light game due to the added complexity of the gold mechanic and new terrain types.

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