Enigma (1988) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Enigma is a board game released in 1988 by designer Alexander Duncan and published by Drumond Park Ltd. It is a party game designed for 2 to 6 players, with a runtime of approximately 60 minutes. The game features dice rolling, point-to-point movement, and roll/spin and move mechanics, making it an engaging and interactive experience for players aged 12 and up.

Game Components of Enigma

Tiles with different puzzle types (Weight Puzzle, Fragment Puzzle, Conduit Puzzle, Angular Piece Puzzle)

Puzzle pieces for each puzzle type

Networker pawns

Scoring wheel

Sand timer

Puzzle chamber cards

Starting tile

How To Setup Enigma

To set up Enigma, sort and shuffle the tiles based on their puzzle icons and place them on their corresponding puzzle chambers face down. Each player chooses four Networker pawns of the same color and places one on the “0” space on the scoring wheel. The starting tile is placed in the middle of the table, and the sand timer is positioned centrally. The youngest player receives the Starting Player pawn to initiate the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Choose a Puzzle: Players select a puzzle tile from one of the four puzzle stacks.

Solve the Puzzle: Players simultaneously solve their chosen puzzles. The first player to solve their puzzle flips over the timer, giving others 60 seconds to complete theirs.

Place the Tile: Successfully solved tiles are placed to connect power cells of the same color, expanding the player’s conduit system.

Score Points: Points are scored when players close conduit systems, with each worker (Networker pawn) on a closed conduit earning points.

Objective: The game ends when a player reaches 15 points; the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Playing Enigma is an intense and mentally stimulating experience. The game combines the thrill of puzzle-solving under time pressure with strategic tile placement. Each round involves a mix of individual problem-solving and tactical decision-making, as players must quickly solve puzzles to secure the right tiles and outmaneuver their opponents. The game’s dual challenge of solving puzzles and building a conduit system keeps players engaged and reactive.

Pros

Challenging and Engaging: Offers a unique blend of puzzle-solving and strategic gameplay.

High Replayability: With multiple puzzle types and random tile draws, each game is different.

Social Interaction: Players experience a mix of individual challenge and competitive strategy.

Thematic Variety: Includes various puzzle types, such as Weight, Fragment, Conduit, and Angular Piece puzzles.

Cons

Time Pressure: The timed puzzles can be stressful and may not appeal to all players.

Complexity: Combining puzzle-solving with tile placement can be overwhelming for some.

Limited Player Count: Designed for up to four players, limiting larger group play.

Personal Thoughts on Enigma

Enigma is ideal for players who enjoy puzzles, strategy, and competitive gameplay. It’s a great fit for those who appreciate mental challenges and are looking for a game that requires both quick thinking and long-term strategy. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those who prefer more relaxed gameplay experiences. For fans of games like Carcassonne or Ricochet Robots, Enigma offers a unique and engaging twist that will keep your neurons firing.

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