Escape: The Curse of the Temple (2012) Board Game

Escape: The Curse of the Temple is a cooperative real-time dice-rolling game designed by Kristian Amundsen Østby. It was first released in 2012 by Queen Games and has since gained popularity for its fast-paced gameplay and immersive experience.

Game Components of Escape: The Curse of the Temple

Dice: Each player starts with a set of five custom dice.

Temple Tiles: A stack of tiles that form the temple layout.

Gems: Magic gems that need to be activated.

Soundtrack/CD: A 10-minute soundtrack that acts as the game timer.

Pawns: Player tokens for movement.

Curses and Treasures: Additional modules and expansions available.

Safe Room Tile: The central starting tile.

Exit Tile: The tile that players must reach to escape.

Black and Gold Masks: Symbols on the dice that lock or unlock dice.

How To Setup Escape: The Curse of the Temple

Setup is quick and straightforward. Players grab their dice, set up a draw pile of temple tiles, and add any optional curses and treasures. The soundtrack is started, and after a brief atmospheric introduction, the game begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to escape the temple.

Real-Time Dice Rolling: Players roll their dice simultaneously and continuously.

Exploration: Players add new chambers to the temple by rolling two adventurer symbols.

Gem Activation: Players must roll specific symbols to activate magic gems.

Movement: Players move through the temple by rolling symbols matching the requirements on each tile.

Curse Mechanic: Black masks lock dice until unlocked by gold masks.

Time Pressure: The soundtrack signals two intervals where players must return to the safe room or lose a die.

Objective: Players must activate enough gems, find the exit tile, and escape the temple within 10 minutes.

Player Experience

Playing **Escape: The Curse of the Temple** is a frantic and intense experience. The real-time mechanic and the ominous soundtrack create a high-pressure environment where players must act quickly and cooperatively. Players roll their dice rapidly, trying to achieve the necessary combinations to explore, activate gems, and ultimately escape. The game encourages strategic decisions about whether to explore together or split up, and how to manage the cursed dice. The constant need to rush back to the safe room at specific intervals adds an extra layer of tension.

Pros

High Replayability: Short 10-minute games encourage multiple plays in one session.

Cooperative Teamwork: Encourages collaboration and strategy among players.

Intense Atmosphere: The soundtrack and time pressure create a thrilling experience.

Simple to Learn: Basic gameplay mechanics are easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Expansions Available: Multiple expansions and modules add variety and new challenges.

Cons

Time Pressure Can Be Overwhelming: Some players may find the time pressure too stressful.

Luck of the Dice: Success can depend heavily on dice rolls, which may frustrate some players.

Not Suitable for Young Children: Recommended for players above 5 years old due to complexity and pressure.

Personal Thoughts on Escape: The Curse of the Temple

**Escape: The Curse of the Temple** is perfect for families and groups who enjoy cooperative games and are looking for a thrilling, fast-paced experience. It’s ideal for those who have limited time but want to play multiple games in a single session. The game’s simplicity in setup and rules makes it accessible, while the real-time mechanic and expansions provide depth and replayability. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more relaxed or strategic gameplay without time pressure.

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