Indiana Jones: Sands of Adventure (2023) Board Game

Indiana Jones: Sands of Adventure is a board game released in 2023 by Funko Games. Inspired by the iconic Indiana Jones movie franchise, this game allows players to embark on thrilling adventures in search of ancient artifacts. With a mix of card game elements and real-time gameplay, Sands of Adventure offers a unique and immersive experience for fans of the series.

Game Components of Indiana Jones: Sands of Adventure

7 Double Sided Adventure Tiles

4 Character Mats and Figures (Dr. Jones, Marion, Sallah, and Marcus Brody)

3 Villain Mats (Colonel Dietrich, Major Toht, and Dr. René Belloq)

3 Villain Movers (with bases)

Health Tracking Cube

Sand Timer

Round Tracker Tile

Ark Mover (with base)

Torch Die

2 Threat Dice

Play Tile

12 Gems (two sizes)

6 Power Tokens

92 Cards (Basic Cards, Upgrade Cards, Snake Cards, and Attack Cards).

How To Setup Indiana Jones: Sands of Adventure

To set up the game, each player chooses a character and takes their corresponding miniature and character mat. Players draw a number of cards based on their character, with Marion Ravenwood drawing six cards and the others drawing four. The game board is composed of seven double-sided Adventure Tiles, which are arranged randomly to ensure variability in each playthrough. The villains and their mats are prepared, and the sand timer is set up. The Threat Dice and other components are placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases

Exploration Phase: Players take turns moving to different Adventure Tiles, completing the actions listed on the tiles (such as drawing cards or gaining power tokens), and rolling the Threat Dice. These dice can add gems to the sand timer or activate the villain, triggering the Timed Phase when the sand timer flips.

Timed Phase: Players must act quickly as the sand timer runs down. They play as many cards from their hand as possible, following specific matching rules (symbol or color), and draw a new card at the end of their turn. The game pauses if a snake card is drawn, requiring a player to roll a torch icon on the Torch Die to continue.

Game Objective

The objective is to defeat the villains and ultimately René Belloq at the end of the third round to rescue the Ark of the Covenant. Failure to defeat Belloq results in the players losing the game.

Player Experience

Playing Indiana Jones: Sands of Adventure is a mix of strategic planning and fast-paced action. During the Exploration Phase, players need to optimize their moves to minimize the consequences of the Threat Dice and build up their resources. The Timed Phase introduces a high level of tension as players rush to play cards before the sand timer runs out. The game’s use of a sand timer and the urgency of the Timed Phase create an exciting and suspenseful experience, though the mechanics can sometimes feel a bit arbitrary, especially with the snake card pause.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game captures the essence of the Indiana Jones franchise, making it appealing to fans.

Variable Setup: Double-sided Adventure Tiles and different character powers ensure varied gameplay each time.

Solid Tension: The use of the sand timer creates a thrilling and suspenseful experience.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great family game.

Cons

Limited Replay Value: With only 3 villains and 4 characters, the game can feel repetitive after several plays.

Arbitrary Mechanics: The snake card mechanic can pause the game unnecessarily and may not add significant value to the gameplay.

Analysis Paralysis: Players may spend too much time considering each move, slowing down the Exploration Phase.

Personal Thoughts on Indiana Jones: Sands of Adventure

Indiana Jones: Sands of Adventure is a good fit for fans of cooperative games and the Indiana Jones franchise. It offers a light, enjoyable experience that is easy to pick up and play. While it may lack deep complexity and varied gameplay in the long run, it is an excellent choice for families or casual gamers looking for a fun, thematic adventure. The game’s ability to balance strategy and urgency makes it a solid addition to any board game collection, though it might not be the best choice for those seeking high replayability or deep strategic 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.