Aztec (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Aztec is a board game released in 2020, designed by Sabrina Tobal and illustrated by Matagot. It falls under the categories of Adventure, Bluffing, Card Game, and Deduction. The game is designed for 3-6 players with a runtime of 25-30 minutes and is suitable for ages 10 and up. The game utilizes mechanics such as Deduction, Set Collection, and Simultaneous Action Selection to provide an engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Aztec

Player boards

Gem cards (showing different colors of gems)

Gem tokens (red, yellow, blue)

Cursed stone tokens

Artifact cards

Player markers

How To Setup Aztec

To set up Aztec, each player starts with a player board and five gem cards. The gem tokens and cursed stones are placed within reach of all players. Each player’s board has a unique objective for scoring points, such as collecting specific pairs of gem colors. The game is ready to play once all players have their cards and the tokens are distributed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bluffing and Negotiation: Players place gem tokens on their cards, which can be truthful or a lie.

Accusations: Players accuse each other of lying to gain advantages.

Cursed Stones: Players with the most gems of a particular color at the end of each round receive cursed stones, which penalize their score.

Artifact Cards: Players can draw artifact cards for additional scoring opportunities.

Objective: Collect the most valuable treasure by accumulating the right combination of gems and avoiding cursed stones.

Player Experience

Playing Aztec involves a delicate balance of bluffing, negotiation, and strategic planning. Players must carefully decide when to tell the truth and when to lie about the gems they have, while also convincing other players to believe or accuse them. The game encourages social interaction and strategic thinking, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Short Game Length: Games typically last around 30-45 minutes.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

High Replayability: Different player boards and artifact cards ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Social Interaction: Encourages negotiation and bluffing among players.

Cons

Dependence on Player Count: The game does not support two players and is best with 3-6 players.

Luck Factor: Drawing the right gem cards and artifact cards can influence the game significantly.

Bluffing Skill: Players who are poor at bluffing might find it challenging to win.

Personal Thoughts on Aztec

Aztec is perfect for groups of friends who enjoy social deduction and bluffing games. It’s an excellent addition to any game night, promoting lively discussions and strategic thinking. The game’s short duration and easy-to-learn mechanics make it a great choice for both casual and experienced gamers. However, it may not be ideal for those who prefer solo or two-player experiences, or for players who are averse to games with a significant luck factor.

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