Tiwanaku (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Tiwanaku is an ancient archaeological site in Bolivia, known for its impressive pre-Columbian ruins. The game takes inspiration from this civilization and its mysteries, challenging players to explore and uncover the secrets of this lost city.

Game Components of Tiwanaku

Game Board: A puzzle-like board that gradually reveals itself as players explore.

Terrain Tiles: These tiles are arranged according to the Pachamama Wheel, which determines the secret setup of the terrain.

Crop Tokens: Each with a value of 1-5, and different sizes/colors.

Scenario Discs: 20 different discs for varying game scenarios.

Offering Cubes: Used for scoring points.

Pachamama Wheel: A multi-layered wheel that facilitates different playable scenarios without an app[5%.

How To Setup Tiwanaku

To set up Tiwanaku, players start by inserting a Scenario disc into the Pachamama Wheel, which determines the unique arrangement of terrain tiles and crop tokens. The game board is then prepared with the initial terrain tiles, and each player selects their starting pieces. The Pachamama Wheel guides the placement of terrain and crop tokens as the game progresses.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Exploration: Players explore new regions and reveal the terrain.

Deduction: Players must deduce the type of crops to plant based on the terrain and crop tokens.

Optimization: Managing the placement of crops to adhere to Pachamama’s principles of diversity and separation.

Game Modes: Competitive, Cooperative, and Solo modes are available.

Objective: Honor Pachamama’s principles by planting crops correctly to earn points. The game ends when the final terrain tile is placed, and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Players take on the role of Quechua farmers, leading their tribe into uncharted territories to cultivate new lands. The game requires strategic thinking, deduction, and a good sense of timing. Each turn, players can choose to explore new areas or take divine actions to gain points and offering cubes. The game’s complexity and the need to respect Pachamama’s principles add a layer of depth and challenge, making it engaging for players who enjoy puzzle-solving and strategic gameplay.

Pros

Replayability: 20 different Scenario discs offer a high level of replayability.

Multiple Game Modes: Competitive, Cooperative, and Solo modes cater to different player preferences.

Engaging Mechanics: Combines Minesweeper and Sudoku-like mechanics for a unique gameplay experience.

Thematic Depth: Rich theme based on the customs and legends of the Quechua people.

High-Quality Components: The Pachamama Wheel and other components are highly praised for their quality[4″).

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be complex due to the unique arrangement determined by the Pachamama Wheel.

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s mechanics, especially the deduction and optimization aspects, may take time to learn.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 1-4 players, which might be limiting for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Tiwanaku

Tiwanaku is an excellent choice for players who enjoy strategy, deduction, and puzzle-solving. It is particularly suited for those interested in thematic games that offer a rich cultural context. The game’s ability to cater to different play styles through its various game modes makes it a versatile addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and the need for strategic thinking.

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