Mountains out of Molehills (2022) Board Game

Mountains out of Molehills is a board game released in 2022 designed by Elena Muñoz and published by The Op Games. It falls under the categories of Animals, Puzzle, and Territory Building, offering a unique gameplay experience for 2-4 players aged 9 and above.

Game Components of Mountains out of Molehills

1 Aboveground Board

1 Underground Board

4 Board Frame Pieces

4 Mole Character Standees with Bases

120 Molehill Pieces

120 Movement Cards

1 Scorepad

1 Rock Token, 1 Rock Die, 4 King Of The Hill Tokens

1 Digging Guide (Rulebook).

How To Setup Mountains out of Molehills

To set up the game, players first assemble the two-level game board by placing the four pillars into the corners of the box. Each player then places their mole character in one of the four corners of the underground board and a corresponding molehill directly above it on the aboveground board. The boards are double-sided to accommodate different player counts, ensuring adequate space for each game scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Programmed Movement: Players draft and order Movement cards to plan their mole’s actions.

Area Control: Control molehills by placing them on the aboveground board.

Stacking and Toppling: Molehills can grow and topple, affecting control and scoring.

Game Objective

Score Points: Players aim to control the most molehills by placing their colored pieces at the bottom of the molehill stacks.

Build and Control Mountains: The mole that controls the most mountains over six rounds is declared the winner.

Player Experience

In Mountains out of Molehills, players engage in a delightful blend of strategy and unpredictability. The game begins with each player drafting Movement cards, which they then use to navigate their mole character through the underground board. As players move, they create molehills on the aboveground board, aiming to build and control the tallest mountains. The game’s dynamic nature, with molehills potentially toppling and changing ownership, keeps players on their toes and ensures that the lead can shift significantly over the six rounds.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Combines planning with unpredictable outcomes.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 9+ and plays in 45-60 minutes.

Replay Value: Endless replay opportunities due to the dynamic gameplay.

Unique Mechanics: The two-level board and programmed movement add a fresh twist to area control games.

Cons

Component Wear: Potential wear and tear on the board from pressing molehills down.

Choking Hazard: Contains small parts, not suitable for children under 36 months.

Personal Thoughts on Mountains out of Molehills

Mountains out of Molehills is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, strategic game. Its intuitive mechanics and engaging gameplay make it a great gateway game for those new to hobby board games. The game’s ability to balance early leads with late-game comebacks ensures that it remains exciting until the very end. If you enjoy games like Colt Express or Tiny Epic Mechs, you’ll likely find Mountains out of Molehills to be a delightful addition to your game collection.

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