Ambar (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ambar is a card game designed by Roman Kucharski and released in in 2018. Set in a medieval fantasy world, the game challenges players to strategically manage their resources and take calculated risks to outwit their opponents. The game features beautiful artwork by Invedars and is suitable for 2 to 4 players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Ambar

Game board

Player boards

Amber tokens

Action cards

Fortune cards

Dice

Other miscellaneous components for tracking progress and resources.

How To Setup Ambar

To set up Ambar, each player selects a player board and places it in front of them. The game board is positioned in the middle of the playing area. Amber tokens, action cards, and fortune cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player starts with a set amount of resources and a few action cards. The objective is clearly explained during the setup phase to ensure all players understand the game’s mechanics before starting.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Push-Your-Luck Mechanic: Players roll dice to determine the amount of amber they can collect, with the option to continue rolling for more amber or stop to avoid losing what they have collected.

Action Cards: Players can use action cards to influence their rolls, protect their amber, or hinder their opponents.

Fortune Cards: These cards provide additional benefits or penalties based on the player’s amber collection.

Objective: The game objective is to be the player with the most fortune points, accumulated through collecting and trading amber.

Player Experience

Playing Ambar involves a mix of strategy and luck. Players must balance the risk of rolling the dice to collect more amber against the potential loss of their current collection. The use of action cards adds a layer of strategy, allowing players to adapt their approach based on the cards they have. The game is engaging and requires players to think critically about their next moves.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: The push-your-luck mechanic keeps players on the edge of their seats.

Strategic Depth: Action cards provide multiple ways to influence the game.

Social Interaction: Players can use action cards to interact with each other, adding a social element to the game.

Quick Games: Games are relatively short, making it a great option for a quick play session.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game heavily relies on dice rolls, which can be frustrating for some players.

Limited Player Count: The game may not be as engaging with fewer players.

Component Quality: Some players might find the component quality to be average.

Personal Thoughts on Ambar

Ambar is ideal for players who enjoy push-your-luck games and are looking for a fun, strategic experience. It is suitable for casual gamers and those who appreciate the balance between luck and strategy. However, players who prefer games with less luck and more control might find it less appealing. Overall, Ambar is a great addition to any game collection for those who enjoy a mix of risk and strategy.

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