Kemet (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kemet is a highly acclaimed board game that was first released in in 2012. Designed by Jacques Bariot and Guillaume Montiage, the game is set in ancient Egypt and incorporates elements of mythology and warfare. With stunning artwork by Dimitri Bielak, Émile Denis, and Nicolas Fructus, Kemet has become a favorite among gamers who enjoy strategic gameplay and immersive themes.

Game Components of Kemet

Player Boards: Each player has a board to manage their actions and resources.

Pyramids: Represented by gigantic D4 dice, these pyramids are leveled up using prayer points.

Power Tiles: These tiles provide various powers, including combat enhancements, additional prayer points, and creature abilities.

Battle Cards: Used to resolve combat, these cards include strength bonuses, damage modifiers, self-damage modifiers, and defense modifiers.

Divine Intervention Cards: These cards can be played to augment battle cards.

Miniatures: Including creatures like the Phoenix, Scorpion, and Mummy Sorcerer.

Tokens: For tracking victory points, prayer points, and other resources.

Board: A two-sided board, one side for 2/4 players and the other for 3/5 players.

How To Setup Kemet

To set up Kemet, each player selects a god and places their player board and starting pyramids on the table. Each player begins with a set of battle cards and a starting hand of prayer points. The main board is set up according to the number of players, using the appropriate side. Power tiles and divine intervention cards are placed within reach of all players. The game starts with a Night phase, where players prepare for the upcoming Day phase by allocating prayer points to their pyramids.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Actions: Choose from moving, praying, recruiting, purchasing power tiles, or constructing a stage of their pyramid.

Combat Resolution: Use battle cards and divine intervention cards to resolve battles, with the goal of winning fights and holding territory.

Power Tiles: Acquire tiles to enhance combat, movement, and resource gathering.

Creature Recruitment: Use power tiles to recruit creatures with special abilities.

Victory Points: Earn points by winning battles, holding temples, and controlling pyramids. The first player to achieve 8 (or 9 in the *Blood & Sand* version) victory points wins.

Player Experience

Playing Kemet is a dynamic and tense experience, filled with strategic decisions and frequent combat. Players must balance the need to upgrade their pyramids and acquire powerful tiles with the immediate need to defend and expand their territory. The game encourages adaptability, as players must respond to the actions of their opponents and adjust their strategies accordingly. Games can be lengthy, especially with players prone to analysis paralysis, but subsequent plays typically become faster as players become more familiar with the game mechanics.

Pros

Deep Strategic Gameplay: Offers a complex decision tree with many paths to victory.

Thematic Integration: Well-implemented Egyptian theme with unique creatures and powers.

Dynamic Combat: The battle system is engaging and requires strategic thinking.

Adaptable: The game plays well at various player counts due to the customizable board.

High Replayability: Different strategies and tile combinations ensure a unique experience each time.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous options and components.

Analysis Paralysis: Some players may spend too much time deliberating on each action.

Lengthy Games: Initial games can take several hours, especially with new players.

Personal Thoughts on Kemet

Kemet is ideal for fans of area control games, wargames, and strategy enthusiasts. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy games with deep strategic layers, frequent combat, and a high level of player interaction. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to learn and master its mechanics. If you enjoy games like Cyclades, Inis, or Blood Rage, Kemet is definitely worth exploring.

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