Monkey Temple (2018) Board Game

Monkey Temple is a card game designed by Mariano De Biase and released in in 2018. The game is set in a mystical temple where players take on the roles of monkeys trying to retrieve sacred relics. With a mix of negotiation and voting mechanics, Monkey Temple offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience for 3 to 8 players.

Game Components of Monkey Temple

1 game board

4 monkey counters

1 guard counter

55 object cards

55 tourist cards

5 flight tokens

1 round counter

1 rule book

How To Setup Monkey Temple

To set up the game, players arrange the game board, place the monkey and guard counters, and shuffle the object and tourist cards. Each player receives a set of cards, and the round counter is set to the beginning of the game. The monkey player starts by placing tokens on the tourist cards to indicate which items belong to which tourists, while the other players discuss and try to match the items correctly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to return stolen items to their owners.

Voting Mechanism: Players discuss and vote on the correct assignments of items to tourists.

Storytelling: The monkey player’s silent input adds a storytelling element as other players try to deduce the correct matches.

Objective: The goal is to return all items to their owners within five rounds, accumulating less than five failures to win the game.

Player Experience

In Monkey Temple, players take on the roles of Temple Guardians and monkeys in an ancient temple. The monkeys steal items from tourists, and the guardians must reunite these items with their owners. The game involves deduction, discussion, and voting to achieve the objective. The dynamic between the silent monkey player and the debating guardians adds a fun and engaging element to the game.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and up, making it a great game for family gatherings.

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand and set up, perfect for new players.

Engaging Deduction: The game requires critical thinking and teamwork, which can be very engaging.

Short Playing Time: Games last between 20-30 minutes, making it a quick and enjoyable experience.

Cons

No Competitive Mode: The game lacks a competitive mode, which might deter some players.

Box Size: The game box is larger than necessary, which can be inconvenient for storage.

Challenging for Younger Players: The deduction element can be harder for younger players due to the luck of the draw.

Personal Thoughts on Monkey Temple

Monkey Temple is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a cooperative and fun experience. While it may lack a competitive mode, the cooperative aspect and the unique storytelling-voting mechanism make it a standout. It’s particularly suitable for families with children aged 8 and above, offering a balance of simplicity and challenge that appeals to both younger and older players. However, for those seeking competitive gameplay, this might not be the best fit.

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