BABEL (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

BABEL is a board game released in 2016, designed by Masakazu Takizawa. The game is set in the world of mythology and incorporates elements of action, dexterity, bluffing, and hand management. It can be played by 1-5 players, with a runtime of 15-30 minutes. The game is suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of BABEL

Game board

One deck of Temple cards

One deck of Nation cards, divided into 5 different nations (Assyrians, Hittites, Medes, Persians, and Sumerians)

2 building pawns (one brown, one tan)

A well-illustrated rulebook[4>.

How To Setup BABEL

To set up Babel, start by selecting a start player and each player choosing a color. The game board is placed between the two players, and each player positions their building pawn on the Temple space on their side of the board. Two level 1 Temple cards are removed from the Temple card deck and given to each player. The remaining Temple cards are shuffled and placed face down on the Temple space. The Nation card deck is also shuffled, and each player draws a starting hand of cards (the start player draws 3, and the second player draws 5).

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drawing Cards: Players draw cards each turn, including Temple cards and Nation cards.

Building Temples: Players must have a corresponding number of army cards to build temple levels.

Using Nation Powers: Special abilities can be triggered by having three consecutive cards of the same nation.

Migration: Players can move groups of army cards to different locations.

Discarding Opponent’s Cards: Players can force their opponent to discard half of their hand.

Game Objective: The game ends when one player has at least 15 points worth of temple levels and their opponent has 9 or less, or when one player reaches 20 points or the Temple card deck is exhausted.

Player Experience

Babel is known for its direct and interactive gameplay, making it a brutal yet engaging experience. Players are constantly in conflict, either by building their own temples or undermining their opponent’s progress. The game requires strategic decision-making, as players must carefully choose when to use their cards and when to disrupt their opponent’s plans. This level of interaction can make the game intense and potentially friendship-testing, but it also provides a deep and rewarding strategic experience.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a significant level of strategy and decision-making.

Compact and Portable: The game is easy to carry and set up, making it ideal for quick plays.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last around 30-45 minutes.

High Replayability: Despite its compact nature, the game offers a lot of replay value due to the varied card combinations.

Cons

Potential for Conflict: The game’s direct interaction can be intense and may not be suitable for all players.

Replayability Questions: Some players find that the game may not be as compelling for repeated plays.

Personal Thoughts on BABEL

Babel is perfect for those who enjoy strategic, two-player games with a high level of interaction. It is ideal for players who appreciate deep gameplay and are comfortable with direct conflict. However, it may not be the best choice for those who prefer more casual or cooperative games. If you’re looking for a game that packs a lot of strategy into a compact package, Babel is definitely worth considering.

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