Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga (2021) Board Game

Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga is a board game that takes inspiration from the real-life Maeshowe chambered cairn in Orkney, Scotland. The game is designed to immerse players in the rich history and folklore of the Orkney Islands, known for their ancient Norse heritage and archaeological sites.

Game Components of Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga

Game board featuring the interior of Maeshowe tomb

Character cards for Jarls Harold and Rognvald

Resource tokens

Event cards

Weather tokens

Item tokens

Health and hunger trackers

Rulebook

How To Setup Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga

To set up the game, first place the game board in the middle of the playing area, representing the chambered tomb. Shuffle the event deck and draw a set number of cards based on the game’s difficulty level. Each player chooses a Jarl and places their character card on the starting location on the board. Distribute the initial resources, items, and weather tokens according to the rulebook. Finally, set the health and hunger trackers to their starting values.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Manage food, water, and warmth to keep your Jarls alive.

Event Resolution: Resolve event cards that simulate challenges and opportunities within the tomb.

Exploration: Move through the tomb to uncover new areas and find resources.

Health and Hunger Tracking: Keep track of your Jarls’ health and hunger levels.

Weather System: Deal with the impacts of the snowstorm outside.

Objective: The primary goal is to survive the snowstorm and eventually find a way out of the tomb.

Player Experience

Playing **Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga** offers a challenging and immersive solo experience. Players must balance resource management with the need to explore the tomb and mitigate the effects of harsh weather conditions. The game’s setting, based on real historical locations, adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue.

Pros

Immersive Setting: The game is set in a real historical location, adding depth and authenticity.

Challenging Gameplay: The combination of resource management and event resolution provides a satisfying challenge.

Thematic Integration: The mechanics closely align with the theme of survival in a harsh environment.

Solo Play: Designed specifically for solo players, offering a tailored experience.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game’s structure may lead to repetitive scenarios after multiple plays.

Steep Learning Curve: The rules and mechanics can be complex for new players to grasp quickly.

Dependence on Luck: Event cards can introduce a high degree of randomness, affecting game outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga

**Maeshowe: an Orkney Saga** is ideal for fans of solo adventure and survival games who appreciate a strong thematic connection and challenging gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy resource management and strategic decision-making. While it may not offer limitless replayability, the game provides a compelling and immersive experience that can be enjoyed multiple times.

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