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Cartouche Dynasties (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Cartouche Dynasties is a board game released in 2017, designed by JJ Ariosa and Oliver Howe. The game is set in ancient Egypt during the time of the pharaohs, where players take on the role of competing dynasties vying for power and influence. With its unique theme and gameplay mechanics, Cartouche Dynasties offers a fresh take on the traditional card game genre.

Game Components of Cartouche Dynasties

  • Cards: Representing various actions, resources, and gods.
  • Tokens: For tracking resources, progress, and divine favor.
  • Player Boards: Each player has a board to manage their dynasty.
  • God Cards: Providing benefits and challenges based on the gods’ favor.

    How To Setup Cartouche Dynasties

    To set up the game, each player selects a player board and starts with a set of basic cards and tokens. The god cards and other resource cards are shuffled and placed within reach of both players. Each player places their tokens on the starting positions on their board. The game begins with a starting hand of cards, and the players take turns in a predetermined order.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Worker Placement: Players place their tokens to perform actions such as gathering resources, building structures, or appeasing gods.
  • Card Play: Players use cards to execute actions, gain resources, or summon divine intervention.
  • Combo-Driven: Players aim to create efficient combinations of cards and token placements to maximize their score.
  • Objective: The goal is to forge the greatest kingdom in Ancient Egypt by accumulating the most points through various achievements and divine favor.

    Player Experience

    Playing Cartouche Dynasties involves strategic planning and tactical execution. Players need to balance resource management, card play, and token placement to optimize their kingdom’s growth. The game requires adaptation to the gods’ whims and the opponent’s moves, making each game unique and challenging.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy: Offers complex and engaging gameplay with multiple paths to victory.
  • Thematic Integration: Strongly themed around Ancient Egyptian culture and mythology.
  • High Replayability: Different card combinations and god cards ensure varied gameplay experiences.
  • Compact Design: The game comes in a small box, making it easy to store and transport.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Count: Designed exclusively for two players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.
  • Steep Learning Curve: The combo-driven mechanics and worker placement can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Luck of the Draw: Card draw can significantly influence the game, potentially leading to imbalance.

    Personal Thoughts on Cartouche Dynasties

    Cartouche Dynasties is perfect for fans of strategic card games and worker placement mechanics. It is ideal for players who enjoy deep, thematic games that require careful planning and adaptability. While it may not suit larger groups, it offers a rich and engaging experience for two players looking to immerse themselves in Ancient Egyptian culture and competitive kingdom-building.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl