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Menara (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

Menara is a cooperative board game that was designed by Oliver Richtberg and published by Zoch Verlag in in 2018. The game has gained popularity for its unique gameplay mechanics that involve physical removal, stacking, and balancing. Players work together to build a tower using wooden blocks while trying to prevent it from collapsing.

Game Components of Menara

  • 18 different sized and coloured temple floors
  • 76 different coloured pillars
  • 35 building cards
  • 5 floor cards
  • A camp made from pre-cut cardboard pieces
  • Bags for the pillars

    How To Setup Menara

    To set up Menara, start by shuffling the temple floors and creating a pile known as the “quarry.” Take the top 3 floors and use them to lay the base of the temple, ensuring they touch in at least two places. Each floor has a light and dark side with different column bases. Mix the pillars in a black bag, fill the base with them, and have each player draw a certain number of pillars based on the player count and desired difficulty level. Sort the building cards by their glyph colors (blue, yellow, or red) and shuffle each pile. Place these piles and the floor cards next to the game area.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Dexterity:** Players must carefully place and stack pillars and temple floors.
  • Cooperative:** All players work together to build the temple.
  • Resource Management:** Managing the pillars and building cards.
  • Strategy:** Deciding which difficulty level of building cards to draw.

    Game Objective:

  • Build a temple with the required number of floors without it collapsing.
  • Follow the instructions on the building cards to place pillars on the temple floors.
  • Ensure the temple remains stable until all construction cards are drawn, all pillars are used, or all floors are built.

    Player Experience

    Menara is easy to learn but challenging to win, requiring both dexterity and strategic thinking. Players need to be aware of the pillar colors available and plan ahead when drawing building cards, which come in easy, medium, and hard difficulties. The game demands careful balance and skill, similar to Jenga, but with an added layer of strategic decision-making. Communication and planning among players are crucial, especially as the tower becomes more unstable.

    Pros

  • Interactive and Communicative:** Encourages teamwork and communication.
  • Variable Difficulty:** Allows players to adjust the difficulty level.
  • Strategic Depth:** Combines dexterity with strategic decision-making.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for players aged 8 and up.

    Cons

  • Rulebook Clarity:** Some rules can be unclear, requiring additional research.
  • Luck Element:** There is a significant luck factor, particularly with pillar and card draws.

    Personal Thoughts on Menara

    Menara is an excellent choice for those who enjoy cooperative games and are looking for a challenge that combines physical dexterity with strategic thinking. It is ideal for families or groups seeking an interactive and engaging game experience. While it may not be the best fit for those who prefer purely competitive games, it is a great addition to any game collection that values teamwork and skill. If you’re ready for a game that will have you holding your breath as you stack each pillar, Menara is a must-try.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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