HAMELN CAVE (2021) Board Game

HAMELN CAVE is a board game released in 2021 by YUTRIO. Designed by Akiyama Koryo and Kozu Yusei, the game takes players into a world of horror, medieval, nautical, and pirates themes. With cooperative gameplay and trick-taking mechanics, HAMELN CAVE offers a unique gaming experience for 2 players.

Game Components of HAMELN CAVE

A deck of cards in three suits, each with specific symbols

A map with varying scenarios and obstacles (rocks, Kraken monsters)

Kraken deck and Kraken meeple

Ship token and End Token

Checkpoint tokens

How To Setup HAMELN CAVE

To set up **HAMELN CAVE**, players first prepare the map by selecting a scenario, which determines the difficulty level and the layout of obstacles. Each player receives a hand of cards and exchanges some cards before the first turn. The Kraken deck is set aside, containing cards numbered 1-3 and a Kraken card.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together without direct communication.

Trick-Taking: Players take turns playing cards, following suit if possible.

Symbol Combinations: The combination of symbols on the two cards played in each trick determines the ship’s movement or actions (e.g., moving to an adjacent space, dealing damage to the Kraken).

Kraken Mechanics: Cards numbered 1-3 can damage the ship if played with certain other cards. Dealing damage to the Kraken allows players to discard low-numbered cards and gain more time.

Rounds and Turns: Each round ends when one player wins their fourth trick. The game has a set number of rounds, and players must reach the End Token on the map within these rounds.

Objective: Steer the ship around obstacles and sea monsters to reach the end of the path before running out of turns or taking too much damage.

Player Experience

Playing **HAMELN CAVE** is an intense and engaging experience, especially due to the lack of direct communication between players. Players must infer each other’s intentions through the cards played, making it a game that requires strategic thinking and coordination. The game’s tight design ensures that wins are often by a narrow margin, adding to the satisfaction and fun.

Pros

High Replayability: Varying scenarios and map layouts ensure each game is different.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and inference to succeed.

Intense Experience: Wins are often narrowly achieved, making victories highly satisfying.

Compact Design: Published in a small box by Allplay, making it convenient to store and transport.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

Complex Rules: The game involves intricate rules, especially regarding symbol combinations and Kraken mechanics.

High Difficulty: Winning is challenging, which might be frustrating for some players.

Personal Thoughts on HAMELN CAVE

**HAMELN CAVE** is ideal for experienced gamers, particularly those who enjoy cooperative and trick-taking mechanics. It is especially suited for players who appreciate strategic challenges and the thrill of narrow victories. The game’s unique design and high replayability make it a great addition to any board game collection, but it may not be the best fit for casual or new gamers due to its complexity and difficulty.

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