Blood & Sand is a wargame set in World War II, designed by Richard H. Berg and published by Worthington Games in in 2012. The game focuses on tactical combat and strategic decision-making, allowing players to take on the roles of military commanders during the Second World War.
Game Components of Blood & Sand
Game Board: A map of ancient EgyptMiniatures: Various creatures and warriors, including a scorpion, phoenix, and mummy sorcererPower Tiles: Used for upgrades and special abilitiesDivine Intervention Cards: Provide bonus effects during combat and other phasesBattle Cards: Determine outcomes in combat with attributes like strength, damage, self-damage, and defensePyramid Parts: Players build pyramids to gain powerful tilesPrayer Points: Used for recruiting troops, constructing pyramids, and buying power tilesVictory Point Tokens: Square and circular tokens to track progressVeteran Tokens: Introduced in the new edition for additional gameplay depthOnyx Tiles: New tile color added in the revised edition.
How To Setup Blood & Sand
Setup involves placing the game board, distributing initial troops and power tiles, and each player selecting their starting battle cards. The tile market is set up with trays to expedite the process, and a small board is used to track turn order and victory points. Players also start with a free purchase to kick-start their strategy.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Player Actions: Each turn, players choose one action from moving troops, praying, recruiting troops, purchasing power tiles, or constructing pyramid stages.Combat: Triggered by moving troops into an opponent’s region; combat is mandatory and tense, with outcomes determined by troops, power tiles, Divine Intervention cards, and battle cards.Resource Management: Players manage Prayer Points to recruit troops, build pyramids, and acquire power tiles.Victory Points: Earned by winning battles, controlling pyramids and temples, and performing sacrifices. The game ends when a player reaches 9 or more victory points and has the most points at the start of their turn.
Player Experience
*Kemet: Blood & Sand* offers a dynamic and strategic experience with frequent combat and a mix of short-term and long-term planning. Players can adopt various strategies, from building synergistic power tile engines to aggressively using powerful creatures like the giant scorpion. The game’s combat system, while unique and sometimes counterintuitive, provides tactical depth and pressure as players manage their hidden card decks and resources.
Pros
Engaging Combat System: Unique and tense combat mechanics with strategic depth.Strategic Flexibility: Allows for various play styles, from aggressive combat to strategic tile management.Improved Accessibility: Simplified rules and setup compared to the original version.Enhanced Components: New miniatures, illustrations, and the addition of onyx tiles.Dynamic Victory Points: The use of square and circular tokens adds complexity and excitement to the game’s progression.
Cons
Initial Overwhelm: The game’s appearance can be daunting for new players, despite its relatively straightforward rules.Combat Intuitiveness: Some players find the combat system less intuitive, despite its strategic value.Leader Bashing: The endgame can involve significant leader bashing, which may not appeal to all players.
Personal Thoughts on Blood & Sand
*Kemet: Blood & Sand* is ideal for fans of strategy and combat-focused board games, particularly those who enjoy the “dudes on a map” genre. It is suited for players who appreciate tactical depth and are willing to invest time in understanding the game’s nuances. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking highly analytical gameplay exclusively, it offers a compelling mix of strategy, resource management, and exciting combat, making it a standout in its category.
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.
