Im Reich der Wüstensöhne (2008) Board Game

Im Reich der Wüstensöhne is a board game released in 2008 by designer Klaus Teuber and published by KOSMOS. The game is set in an Arabian exploration theme and features tile placement as its main mechanism.

Game Components of Im Reich der Wüstensöhne

Game Board: 11 tiles wide by 11 tiles tall, initially with only the middle row and column uncovered.

Tiles: Each tile has desert and oasis portions with brown and white connecting lines, and some oasis portions contain “action icons.”

Camels: Each player has a camel to represent their caravan.

Explorers: Four explorers of different heights for each player.

Water Stones: Used as the game’s currency.

Action Icons: Found on oasis portions of tiles.

Rumor Tiles: Revealed at the end of the game to determine final scores.

How To Setup Im Reich der Wüstensöhne

To set up the game, only the tiles in the middle row and column are placed on the board initially. Each player selects a camel and places it on one of the first or last tiles on the middle row or column, ensuring no camels are on the same tile. Players also receive four explorers of different heights, one tile in reserve, and two water stones. The remaining tiles are kept face down.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players move their camels along brown lines, stopping at white lines unless a water stone is used to continue.

Discovery: When a camel ends at unexplored terrain, a new tile is drawn and placed adjacent to the camel’s position.

Explorer Placement: Players can place explorers on newly discovered oasis sections or remove existing explorers.

Oasis Completion: Oases are scored when completely surrounded by desert or the edge of the board. The tallest explorer in each oasis claims an action icon.

Action Icons: Players take actions based on the icons claimed by their explorers.

Game End: The game concludes when all tiles are placed, and the player with the highest total value of merchandise wins, with water stones as a tiebreaker.

Player Experience

In **Im Reich der Wüstensöhne**, players immerse themselves in a desert adventure, managing camels, explorers, and water resources to explore and score points. The game balances strategic tile placement with the tactical use of explorers and action icons, making each turn a thoughtful decision.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines exploration, resource management, and strategic placement.

Thematic Depth: The desert setting and use of camels and oases add a rich thematic layer.

Moderate Complexity: Suitable for players looking for a game that is neither too simple nor overly complex.

Cons

Availability: The game is very out of print, making it difficult to obtain.

Language Barrier: While most components are language-neutral, the rules are in German.

Complex Rule Set: New players may find the rules and setup somewhat intricate.

Personal Thoughts on Im Reich der Wüstensöhne

**Im Reich der Wüstensöhne** is ideal for fans of German-style board games who enjoy strategic exploration and resource management. It is particularly suited for players who have experience with games like *Entdecker* or *Catan*, as it builds upon similar mechanics but offers a unique desert-themed twist. Despite its out-of-print status, the game remains a gem for those who can manage to get their hands on it, offering a challenge that is both engaging and rewarding.

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