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Enigma (2012) Board Game

ByMichail

Enigma is a board game that was released in 2012 by designer Touko Tahkokallio and published by Albi. It falls under the categories of adventure, puzzle, and real-time games, and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game features open drafting, pattern recognition, and tile placement as its main gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Enigma

  • Tiles:** Each tile has a puzzle on one side and a power cell and conduit system on the other.
  • Puzzle Pieces:** Matching pieces for each type of puzzle (Weight Puzzle, Fragment Puzzle, Conduit Puzzle, and Angular Piece Puzzle).
  • Puzzle Chamber Cards:** Cards where puzzle pieces are placed.
  • Networker Pawns:** Three pawns per player to place on conduits.
  • Scoring Wheel:** To track players’ points.
  • Sand Timer:** For time management during puzzle-solving.
  • Starting Player Pawn:** To determine the first player.

    How To Setup Enigma

    To set up Enigma, start by sorting and shuffling the tiles that share the same puzzle icon and placing them on their corresponding puzzle chamber cards. Each player chooses four Networker pawns of the same color and places one on the “0” space on the scoring wheel. The starting tile is placed in the middle of the table, and the youngest player receives the Starting Player pawn. The sand timer is placed in the middle of the table, ready for the game to begin.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Choose a Puzzle:** Players select a puzzle tile from one of the four puzzle stacks, each type limited to one per round.
  • Solve the Puzzle:** Players simultaneously solve their puzzles; the first to complete flips the sand timer, giving others 60 seconds to finish.
  • Place the Tile:** If a puzzle is solved, the player places the tile to connect power cells and conduits.
  • Score:** Closed conduits are scored immediately; players earn points for each power cell of their color in the conduit.
  • Objective:** The game ends when a player reaches 15 points; the player with the most points wins.

    Player Experience

    Enigma offers a dynamic and challenging experience, combining rapid puzzle-solving with strategic tile placement. Players must balance their ability to solve puzzles quickly with the need to place tiles strategically to score points. The game is engaging and balanced, ensuring that even less skilled puzzle solvers can enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed. The combination of different puzzle types and the tactical aspect of placing tiles keeps the game fresh and exciting.

    Pros

  • Balanced Gameplay:** Suitable for players of various puzzle-solving skills.
  • Variety of Puzzles:** Four different types of puzzles keep the game interesting.
  • Strategic Depth:** Players must think ahead to maximize their points.
  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules and intuitive puzzles.
  • Fast Setup:** Quick setup allows for rapid game start.

    Cons

  • Time Pressure:** The sand timer can cause stress and time management challenges.
  • Luck Element:** The availability of certain puzzle tiles can be random.
  • Limited Player Count:** Designed for up to four players.

    Personal Thoughts on Enigma

    Enigma is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of mental challenges and strategic gameplay. It is ideal for groups that appreciate puzzles but also want a game that requires tactical thinking. The game’s balance ensures that it is enjoyable for both skilled puzzle solvers and those who are less adept, making it a great addition to any board game collection.

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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

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