Mountain of Inferno (2009) Board Game

Mountain of Inferno is a card game based on the Chinese classic novel “Journey to the West.” Designed by Ta-Te Wu and published in 2009, the game features beautiful artwork by Sunrise Tornado Game Studio and Z-Man Games.

Game Components of Mountain of Inferno

52 cards: Sized 57 x 89mm, including disciple cards and special cards like the Buffalo Demon King, Princess Iron Fan, and Guanyin.

Xuanzang tokens: Each player has a token representing Xuanzang.

Scoreboard: To track players’ points.

How To Setup Mountain of Inferno

To set up the game, shuffle the 52 cards and lay them out in two rows, with the number of cards in each row equal to the number of players. If any non-disciple cards are laid out, replace them with new cards until only disciple cards are showing. Each player receives three cards, and the rest form the draw pile. Players place their Xuanzang tokens on one of the face-up cards on the table.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Majority / Influence: Players aim to control areas on the table to score points.

Hand Management: Players must manage their cards to play strategically.

Pattern Building: Players build sets of unique characters around their token.

Objective: Protect Xuanzang from the Buffalo Demon King family by building sets of unique characters and scoring points based on the scrolls on the cards. The player with the highest score at the end of the designated rounds wins.

Player Experience

Mountain of Inferno is a light to moderately difficult card game that combines pattern recognition, area control, and typical card game elements. It has a learning curve, but after a few rounds, players generally understand the game mechanics. The game involves strategic card play and careful observation of the board to maximize scoring. Luck plays a moderate role due to card draws, but strategic play is crucial to success.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Requires players to think strategically about card placement and token movement.

Engaging Theme: Inspired by “Journey to the West,” adding a unique cultural twist.

Quick Playtime: Games last about 25 minutes, making it a good fit for a game night.

Cons

Learning Curve: Initial games can be confusing as players adjust to the rules.

Luck Factor: Card draws can significantly affect gameplay and scoring.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, limiting larger group play.

Personal Thoughts on Mountain of Inferno

Mountain of Inferno is ideal for fans of card games and strategy enthusiasts who enjoy pattern building and area control mechanics. It’s a great addition to a game collection for those who appreciate games with a moderate level of complexity and a unique thematic backdrop. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking extremely simple or extremely complex games, as it strikes a balance between the two.

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