Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga (2021) Board Game

Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga is a board game that takes inspiration from the real-life Maeshowe chambered cairn in Orkney, Scotland. The game is designed to immerse players in the rich history and folklore of the Orkney Islands, known for their ancient Norse heritage and archaeological sites.

Game Components of Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga

Cards with historical artwork depicting Norse mythology

Player tokens representing Viking clans

Game board featuring the layout of Maeshowe

Rulebook with instructions for gameplay

How To Setup Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the deck of cards and place them face down.

Each player chooses a Viking clan and takes the corresponding player token.

Determine the starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga is a cooperative card game where players work together to explore the chambered cairn and uncover ancient artifacts. Players must manage their hand of cards, push their luck, and collect sets of cards to progress through the game. The objective is to explore the chambered cairn, collect valuable artifacts, and escape before time runs out.

Player Experience

Pros:

Beautiful artwork and thematic immersion in Norse mythology

Quick gameplay with easy-to-understand rules

Solo/Solitaire mode for single players

Strategic decision-making with hand management and set collection mechanics

Cons:

Limited replayability due to fixed game setup

Lack of player interaction in a cooperative game

Some players may find the game too luck-dependent

Personal Thoughts on Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga

Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga offers a unique and engaging experience for players interested in Norse mythology and historical themes. The game’s components are well-crafted, and the artwork is beautiful, immersing players in the ancient world of the Orkney Islands. While the game may lack replayability for some, it provides a fun and challenging experience for those looking for a quick and thematic card game.

In terms of pricing and availability, Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga may be on the higher end for a card game, but the quality of components and thematic experience justify the cost. Players who enjoy cooperative games with a historical twist will find value in this game. However, those looking for more player interaction or variability in gameplay may want to explore other options.

Overall, Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga is worth your time if you appreciate historical themes, Norse mythology, and engaging card games. It is suitable for players aged 12 and above, offering a challenging experience for solo or two-player games. Players who enjoy set collection and hand management mechanics will find enjoyment in this game, while those seeking a more dynamic and interactive experience may want to consider other alternatives.

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