Kerala: The Way of the Elephant (2016) Board Game

Kerala: The Way of the Elephant is a board game that was released in 2016 by designer Kirsten Hiese and published by KOSMOS. The game is set in Kerala, a beautiful region in India known for its elephants and vibrant culture. Players take on the role of elephant herd managers, trying to create the most prosperous and harmonious elephant sanctuary.

Game Components of Kerala: The Way of the Elephant

Big, chunky wooden elephants

Game board

Player tokens

Various tiles and cards for gameplay

Rulebook

How To Setup Kerala: The Way of the Elephant

Setting up the game is straightforward. Begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a token and places it on the starting point on the board. Shuffle the tiles and cards, then distribute them according to the rules outlined in the rulebook. Ensure all players understand their starting positions and the objectives before commencing the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players place tiles to create paths and structures.

Resource Management: Manage resources to build and extend paths.

Path Building: The goal is to build the most efficient paths for the elephants to travel.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the paths built and the resources used efficiently.

Objective: The player with the highest score, achieved by building the best paths for the elephants, wins the game.

Player Experience

**Kerala: The Way of the Elephant** offers a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it a great addition to family game nights or casual gatherings. The big, chunky wooden elephants add a tactile and visually appealing element to the gameplay.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

High-Quality Components: The wooden elephants and other components are of high quality.

Quick Playtime: Games last about 30 minutes, making it easy to fit in a session.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and above, making it a great family game.

Strategic Depth: Offers enough complexity for strategic thinking.

Cons

Limited Replayability: Some players might find the game repetitive after several plays.

Simple Theme: The theme, while charming, might not be as immersive for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Kerala: The Way of the Elephant

**Kerala: The Way of the Elephant** is perfect for families or casual gamers looking for a fun, quick, and strategic game. It’s great for introducing children to abstract strategy games due to its simple yet engaging mechanics. For more seasoned gamers, it offers a light, enjoyable experience that is easy to fit into a busy schedule. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a friendly, accessible board game.

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