The Ark of the Covenant (2003) Board Game

The Ark of the Covenant board game was released in 2003 and is designed by Ursula Stephan and Klaus-Jürgen Wrede. The game is set in ancient times and combines elements of city building and religious themes. Players take on the role of ancient civilizations competing to build the most prosperous city and earn the favor of the gods.

Game Components of The Ark of the Covenant

Land tiles featuring cities, roads, temples, and fields

Followers and prophets for player placement

The Ark of the Covenant game piece

Point tracking system

How To Setup The Ark of the Covenant

To set up the game, begin by placing a special starting tile that includes a corner of a city, a straight road segment, and fields on either side of the road. This initial tile sets the stage for the dynamic board that will be built throughout the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Draw and Place a Land Tile: Players draw and place a tile, ensuring it matches the edges of existing tiles (city, road, or field).

Place Followers or Prophets: Players can place followers or prophets on the new tile or choose to move the Ark of the Covenant.

Score Points: Points are scored for completing cities, roads, and temples. The Ark of the Covenant can be moved to score additional points by touching followers.

Cities: Completed when all edges are closed off.

Roads: Completed when they connect to a crossing, city, or temple, or form a closed loop.

Temples: Completed when the four orthogonal tiles surrounding the temple are placed.

Fields: Do not score points during the game.

Player Experience

The Ark of the Covenant offers a engaging and strategic experience, encouraging players to think ahead and cooperate to maximize their scores. The game is designed to be enjoyable with 2 to 5 players, making it versatile for different group sizes.

Pros

All Players Engaged: Every player is involved in every turn, as the tile placements are open and discussable.

Cooperative Elements: Cooperative gameplay can earn multiple players points, enhancing social interaction.

Versatile Player Count: Suitable for 2 to 5 players, ensuring fun regardless of the group size.

Thematic Integration: The use of the Ark of the Covenant adds a unique and thematic twist to the game.

Cons

Minor Rule Addition: Some players feel that the addition of the Ark of the Covenant is minor and not significant enough to warrant a separate game.

Inflated Price: The game can be expensive, especially considering it is based on Carcassonne with minimal additional rules.

Personal Thoughts on The Ark of the Covenant

The Ark of the Covenant is ideal for fans of Carcassonne who are looking for a slightly different twist or those interested in a game with a biblical/historical theme. However, for those who already own Carcassonne, the additional features might not be enough to justify the purchase, especially at an inflated price. It’s a great game for those who enjoy strategic tile-laying and area control mechanics, but it may not offer enough new content for seasoned Carcassonne players.

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