Incan Gold (2005) Board Game

Incan Gold is a board game that was released in 2005 by designers Bruno Faidutti and Alan R. Moon. The game is set in the mysterious world of the ancient Incas, where players take on the role of explorers in search of precious treasures in a perilous temple.

Game Components of Incan Gold

Cards: Treasure cards, hazard cards (spiders, snakes, mummies, fire, and collapse), artifact cards, and player decision cards (torch and camp).

Player Tents: Represent the players’ camps where treasure is stored.

Artifacts: Special cards worth additional points, unique to Incan Gold and not found in its predecessor, Diamant.

How To Setup Incan Gold

To set up Incan Gold, players start by shuffling the deck containing treasure, hazard, and artifact cards. Each player receives two decision cards: one to stay in the temple (torch) and one to leave (camp). The game is divided into five rounds, each representing a different ruin within the temple. At the beginning of each round, a ruin card is revealed, and the players simultaneously decide whether to stay in the temple or leave by playing their decision cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Decision: Players simultaneously decide to stay or leave the temple after each card is revealed.

Treasure Distribution: Treasure is divided evenly among players who stay in the temple. Any remainder is left on the path.

Hazards: If a second hazard card of the same type is revealed, all players still in the temple lose their collected treasure and the round ends.

Artifacts: Can be collected by a player who leaves the temple alone, with the first three worth 5 points each and the last two worth 10 points each.

Objective: The player with the most treasure and artifact points at the end of the five rounds wins.

Player Experience

Incan Gold is a light, fun, and tense game that excels as a filler for game nights. It is easy to learn and plays quickly, typically within 20-30 minutes. The game’s push-your-luck mechanics create significant tension as players decide whether to risk more dangers for greater rewards or retreat with their current treasure. This dynamic makes the game enjoyable for both gamers and non-gamers, especially in larger groups.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

Quick Gameplay: Games are typically short, lasting around 20-30 minutes.

High Tension: The push-your-luck mechanics create an exciting and suspenseful atmosphere.

Wide Appeal: Suitable for groups of 3-8 players, making it a great option for larger gatherings.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game has a significant luck component, which can make it less appealing for strategic players.

Limited Strategy: The game is not designed for deep strategy, which might disappoint some players.

Difficulty in Catching Up: Players who fall behind early may find it challenging to catch up, as they often need to take greater risks.

Personal Thoughts on Incan Gold

Incan Gold is perfect for those who enjoy light, fun games with a dash of excitement and risk. It is an excellent choice for family game nights or as a filler game before moving on to more complex games. The addition of artifact cards in Incan Gold adds a unique twist compared to its predecessor, Diamant, making it a bit more engaging for players seeking a slight edge in strategy. However, it may not satisfy players looking for a game with deep strategic elements. Overall, Incan Gold is a great choice for anyone looking for a quick, enjoyable, and social gaming experience.

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