Ganesha (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ganesha is a board game released in 2020 by CrowD Games, designed by Maxim Istomin and illustrated by Andrei Osinin. The game is categorized as an abstract strategy game with elements of religious symbolism, revolving around the Hindu deity Ganesha.

Game Components of Ganesha

Game boards with day and night sides, featuring vibrant and psychedelic artwork.

Gems (rubies, emeralds, diamonds, etc.) drawn from a pouch.

Destiny tiles with Treasury and Destiny slots.

Mandala board for scoring points.

Player tokens representing four sacred animals from India (monkey, elephant, tiger, and cow).

Ganesha’s drum as the first player marker.

Spice tokens for additional replay value.

How To Setup Ganesha

To set up Ganesha, players start by placing the mandala board in the center of the table. Each player selects a Destiny tile and places it in front of them. The gems are placed on the Altar, and the game begins with each player taking turns.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 2-4 players.

Age Range: 8 and above.

Playtime: 20-45 minutes.

Game Mechanics:
– Drafting gems from the Altar.
– Placing gems on the Destiny tile or Treasury.
– Sacrificing gems to move all gems of one color onto the Mandala to score points.

Game Objective: Score the most points by placing gems on the mandala, either immediately or by saving them for future turns.

Player Experience

Ganesha is designed to be a quick and strategic game. Players need to balance between placing gems on the mandala to score points immediately and saving them to score more points in the future. The game encourages planning and strategy, as the timing of placing gems is crucial. The game is particularly enjoyable with three players, as it offers a good balance of complexity and simplicity.

Pros

Beautiful Artwork: The game features stunning and vibrant artwork, including the game boards and player tokens.

Replay Value: The use of Spice tokens and the randomized drawing of gems ensure different gameplay experiences each time.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great game for families or casual gamers.

Quick Gameplay: Games are relatively short, lasting between 20-45 minutes.

Cons

First Player Marker Issue: The Ganesha’s drum first player marker can lead to uneven gameplay, especially in four-player games where the last player never gets the drum.

Four-Player Game Balance: The game is less balanced with four players due to the two-point handicap given to the last player.

Personal Thoughts on Ganesha

Ganesha is an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a light yet strategic game. It is easy to learn but requires enough strategy to keep players engaged. The game’s beautiful artwork and thematic elements add to its charm, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it is most enjoyable with three players, as this number offers the best balance of complexity and fun.

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