Kemet: Blood and Sand (2021) Board Game

Kemet: Blood and Sand is a revamped version of the original Kemet board game, released in 2021 by Matagot. Designed by Jacques Bariot and Guillaume Montiage, this game transports players to ancient Egypt, where they take on the roles of warring factions vying for supremacy.

Game Components of Kemet: Blood and Sand

Miniatures: Large, detailed miniatures of troops and mythical monsters.

Power Tiles: 48 tiles that provide various abilities and upgrades.

Divine Intervention cards: Introduce randomness and special actions.

Game Board: Depicts ancient Egypt with various territories and battle zones.

Player Boards: For tracking resources, units, and power tiles.

Combat Cards: Used for resolving battles.

Expansions: Includes “Book of the Dead,” “The Great Old Ones,” and “10 Obelisks and Divine Intervention cards”.

How To Setup Kemet: Blood and Sand

Setting up the game involves placing the game board, distributing player boards, and shuffling the power tiles and combat cards. Each player chooses a color and places their starting units on the board. The power tiles are arranged in a specific pattern, and each player starts with a set of basic tiles. The Divine Intervention cards are placed within reach of all players. The setup is relatively straightforward, allowing players to quickly dive into the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Points: Players use action points to move units, attack, or recruit new troops.

Area Majority / Influence: Players compete to control territories on the board.

Area Movement: Units can be moved across the board to engage in battles or capture territories.

Card Drafting: Players draft power tiles to enhance their abilities.

Card Play: Combat cards are used to resolve battles.

Conflict Resolution: Battles are resolved using a rock/paper/scissors system with combat cards.

Hand Management: Managing power tiles and combat cards is crucial for success.

Objective: The goal is to be the first player to achieve 9 victory points, which can be obtained by winning battles, controlling temples, or possessing specific power tiles.

Player Experience

**Kemet: Blood and Sand** offers a highly interactive and strategic experience. Players must balance their on-board actions with the strategic purchase of power tiles. The game is known for its visceral and immediate combat, which is balanced by a deeper layer of strategic planning. The combat system, while unique, can sometimes feel counterintuitive, as winning a battle does not always mean minimal losses. The game encourages constant adaptation to the board state and the actions of other players, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Highly Interactive: Encourages frequent combat and strategic planning.

Deep Strategy: The combination of power tiles and combat cards offers a rich strategic layer.

Visceral Combat: Immediate and action-packed battles keep the game exciting.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and varied power tiles ensure high replayability.

Components: High-quality miniatures and well-designed game boards enhance the gaming experience.

Cons

Calculable Gameplay: The lack of randomness can make the game feel too predictable.

Bash the Leader Problem: The endgame often involves a sequence of players preventing each other from winning, which can prolong the game unnecessarily.

Overwhelming Start: New players may find the initial reveal of 48 power tiles overwhelming.

Personal Thoughts on Kemet: Blood and Sand

**Kemet: Blood and Sand** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic combat and deep gameplay mechanics. It is particularly suitable for fans of “dudes on a map” games and those who appreciate a mix of tactical battles and long-term strategy. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with high randomness or those who are averse to complex strategic planning. For groups that enjoy intense, interactive gameplay with a strong focus on strategy, **Kemet: Blood and Sand** is an excellent choice.

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