Mountain Photographer (2021) Board Game

Mountain Photographer is a card game released in 2021 by designer Daniel Newman and published by 双子のライオン堂 (Twins Lion Do). The game is designed for 3-5 players, with a runtime of 30-60 minutes and recommended for ages 12 and up. It falls under the card game category and features mechanics such as Betting and Bluffing, Open Drafting, Predictive Bid, and Trick-taking.

Game Components of Mountain Photographer

Animal cards: Representing various wildlife species

Habitat slots: Areas where animal cards are placed

Dice: For determining the success of photographing animals

Research tokens: For turning over new animal cards

Secret assignment cards: Adding an element of surprise and additional objectives

Awards and point tokens: For tracking progress and scoring

How To Setup Mountain Photographer

To set up the game, players first shuffle and distribute the animal cards into different habitat slots. Each player receives a set of research tokens and dice. Secret assignment cards are also distributed, adding hidden objectives to each player’s game. The game area is organized with the habitat slots, research tokens, and dice ready for player use.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Collection: Players turn over animal cards into habitat slots.

Dice Rolling: Determine the success of photographing animals based on dice rolls.

Resource Management: Manage research tokens and dice to maximize photography opportunities.

Secret Assignments: Fulfill hidden objectives for additional points.

Awards: Earn points by achieving specific photography goals.

Game Objective: Accumulate the most points by successfully photographing animals and completing assignments.

Player Experience

In **Mountain Photographer**, players embark on a journey to capture the perfect wildlife shots. The game combines card collection, dice management, and strategic planning. Players must balance the need to research habitats without spooking the animals, and then use their dice rolls to photograph them successfully. The addition of secret assignments and awards adds a layer of complexity and excitement, making each game unique.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The wildlife photography theme is both educational and fun.

Balanced Mechanics: Combines strategy and luck, making it appealing to a wide range of players.

Portable: The game has a small box, making it easy to take to different locations.

Replayability: The random distribution of animal cards and secret assignments ensures varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Limited Interaction: There is minimal direct interaction between players, which may not appeal to those seeking competitive play.

Luck Factor: Dice rolls introduce an element of luck, which can be frustrating for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Mountain Photographer

**Mountain Photographer** is ideal for families and casual gamers who enjoy strategy and thematic gameplay. It is particularly suited for those interested in wildlife and photography, as it provides a fun and educational experience. The game’s balance between tactics and luck makes it accessible to new players while still offering depth for more experienced gamers. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking highly competitive or complex games.

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