Treasures & Traps (2006) Board Game

Treasures & Traps is a card game designed by C. Aaron Kreader and published by Pegasus Spiele in in 2006. The game is set in a fantasy world where players collect sets of treasures while avoiding dangerous traps.

Game Components of Treasures & Traps

Card Deck: Featuring various cards such as Treasure cards (Gold, Silver, Bronze), Boon cards for magical assistance, Bane cards for sabotage, Monsters, and Semiperm-Events.

Player Realms: Each player has a personal play area.

The Wild Lands: A central zone for contested Treasures, Monsters, and events.

Character Cards: Including characters like the Priest, Warlord, Blacksmith, and Rogue, each with unique abilities.

How To Setup Treasures & Traps

To set up the game, each player creates their own realm in front of them. The central area is designated as The Wild Lands. Shuffle the card deck and deal a starting hand to each player. The remaining cards are placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Be the first player to collect a Gold, Silver, and Bronze Treasure card in your realm.

Mechanics:

Set Collection: Players collect specific sets of Treasure cards.

Card Play: Players can bring cards into play, move cards, or discard unwanted cards.

Actions: On each turn, players have a choice of three actions: Bring a card into play, Move an in-play card to the discard, or Discard an unwanted card for a fresh one.

Interactions: Players can use Boon cards to help themselves and Bane cards to hinder other players. Monsters and events can also be used to fortify or disrupt realms.

Player Experience

**Treasures & Traps** offers a fun and interactive experience with a blend of strategy and luck. Players must balance building their realm with defensive and offensive maneuvers against their opponents. The game is full of twists and turns, as players can steal treasures, destroy cards, or use special abilities to gain an advantage. The quirky art and tongue-in-cheek fantasy tropes add to the game’s charm, making it enjoyable for both casual and seasoned gamers.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game can be taught and played within one round.

Interactive: Plenty of opportunities for player interaction and sabotage.

Quirky Art: Engaging and whimsical artwork that enhances the gaming experience.

Short Playtime: Quick games suitable for a variety of player counts.

Cons

User Rating: Lower user ratings on some platforms, indicating some players might find it too light or repetitive.

Limited Depth: Some players may find the game mechanics too simple or lacking in depth.

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Treasures & Traps

**Treasures & Traps** is a great game for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a light, fun adventure game. It’s ideal for teaching children about card games and strategic thinking in a playful environment. While it may not appeal to gamers seeking complex, deep strategies, it is a winner in its own right for its simplicity, quirky charm, and fast-paced gameplay.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.