Ishtar: Gardens of Babylon (2019) Board Game

Ishtar: Gardens of Babylon is a board game released in 2019 that is designed by Bruno Cathala and Evan Singh. The game is set in ancient Mesopotamia, where players take on the roles of gardeners competing to create the most beautiful hanging gardens for Queen Sammu-Ramat.

Game Components of Ishtar: Gardens of Babylon

Vegetation tiles of three different shapes

Modular playing boards

Gems (resources)

Tree tokens

Fountain tiles

Player boards

Skill upgrade tokens

How To Setup Ishtar: Gardens of Babylon

To set up the game, players start by arranging the modular boards to form the desert landscape. Each player chooses a starting area next to a fountain tile. The vegetation tiles are placed within reach, and each player receives a starting set of gems and a player board. The game’s short rule book makes the setup process straightforward.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players pick up vegetation tiles from a seed bowl and place them on the map, adhering to specific placement rules.

Area Control: Gardens expand, containing lawns, flowerbeds, and trees, while players aim to control areas efficiently.

Resource Management: Collect gems to spend on trees and skill upgrades.

Objective: Score the most points by creating the most impressive garden, as measured by the number and type of tiles and trees placed.

Player Experience

Players experience a dynamic game environment as the barren desert boards transform into lush, green oases. The game is highly strategic, with geometric constraints on tile placement that can either help or hinder other players. It supports 2-4 players and typically lasts 45-60 minutes. The modular boards ensure the game scales well with any player count, making it enjoyable whether played with two or four players.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Despite simple rules, the game offers a high level of strategy.

Visual Appeal: The transformation of the board from desert to oasis is visually engaging.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for older children and casual game nights.

Modular Boards: Ensures the game adapts well to different player counts.

Quick Gameplay: Games usually finish within an hour.

Cons

Theme Integration: The theme, while visually appealing, feels somewhat tacked on.

Geometric Constraints: Can be frustrating if not managed carefully.

Personal Thoughts on Ishtar: Gardens of Babylon

Ishtar: Gardens of Babylon is ideal for fans of tile-laying games and mid-weight euros. It is a great addition to any collection, especially for those who enjoy games like Kingdomino but are looking for something a bit more complex. This game is perfect for weekday evenings or as an introduction to more strategic gameplay for newer players. If you’re a fan of Bruno Cathala’s other works or enjoy games that balance simplicity with depth, Ishtar: Gardens of Babylon is definitely worth considering.

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