Tutankhamun (2021) Board Game

Tutankhamun is a board game that takes inspiration from the ancient Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun, who ruled during the 18th dynasty. The game is designed to immerse players in the world of ancient Egypt, where they take on the roles of archaeologists exploring the tomb of the famous king.

Game Components of Tutankhamun

Rulebook

Pharaoh’s Sarcophagus

Tut’s Tomb Score Track

6 Scoring Markers

6 Boat Markers

70 Artifact Tiles

10 God Idol Tiles

2 Guardian Statues

6 Reference Cards

Neoprene mat for the Underworld board (Deluxe Pharaoh Edition)

Wooden tiles, wooden Anubis guardian statues, screen print on the boats and scoring jars (Deluxe Pharaoh Edition).

How To Setup Tutankhamun

To set up the game, players start by placing the Pharaoh’s Sarcophagus and the Tut’s Tomb Score Track in the center of the playing area. Each player chooses a boat marker and places it at the starting point on the Nile River path. The Artifact Tiles and God Idol Tiles are shuffled and placed face down along the Nile River path. Each player receives a scoring marker and a reference card. The game is ready to begin once all components are in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Set Collection: Players collect sets of Artifact Tiles to score points.

Variable Player Powers: God Idol Tiles provide special abilities that can aid players in their journey.

Scoring System: Modified scoring with Scarab Rings and a specific two-player scoring change.

Tile Placement: Players move their boats forward or backward to collect tiles, and tiles without players behind them are discarded to the Underworld.

Game Objective

The primary goal is to collect parts of Artifact sets and place them in King Tut’s tomb.

Players aim to cleanse their spirit by reducing their points to zero.

The first player to reach zero points wins the game and is appointed the next High Priest of Egypt.

Player Experience

In Tutankhamun, players take on the roles of priests and priestesses traveling down the Nile River to gather artifacts for King Tut’s tomb. The game is relatively straightforward but involves strategic thinking, especially with the use of God Idol Tiles. Players must balance moving forward to collect artifacts and staying back to avoid losing points in case of ties. The addition of Scarab Rings adds a new layer of strategy, as these tiles score immediately and have a cumulative effect at the end of the game. The game’s duration is between 15 to 30 minutes, making it an enjoyable and quick session for families and casual gamers.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and up.

Quick Gameplay: Lasts between 15 to 30 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Use of God Idol Tiles and Scarab Rings adds complexity.

Attractive Components: Especially in the Deluxe Pharaoh Edition with wooden and screen-printed elements.

Cons

Limited Availability: Due to licensing restrictions, available only in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Component Quality: Some players may find the standard edition components less appealing compared to the deluxe version.

Luck Element: The draw of tiles can introduce an element of luck that may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Tutankhamun

Tutankhamun is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a game that combines simple gameplay with strategic elements. The game’s theme and components, especially in the Deluxe Pharaoh Edition, add a touch of elegance and historical flair. It is ideal for those who enjoy set collection games and are looking for a game that can be played in a short amount of time. However, serious gamers might find the game too light or dependent on luck, so it’s best suited for those seeking a fun, family-oriented experience.

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