Relic Expedition (2014) Board Game

Relic Expedition is an adventure and exploration board game released in in 2014. Designed by Nolan Lorch and Tyler Segel, this game allows 2 to 4 players to embark on a thrilling quest to discover lost relics in a mysterious jungle. With a runtime of 30 to 60 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, Relic Expedition offers a unique gaming experience with its action points, hand management, modular board, set collection, and take that mechanisms.

Game Components of Relic Expedition

Game Board: Starts small and expands as players explore the jungle, revealing new tiles.

Tiles: Represent various jungle features such as relics, vines, quicksand, animals, rivers, and caves.

Player Pawns: Each player has a pawn to navigate the jungle.

Relics: Six different types made of six different materials.

Tools and Supplies: Machetes, mountain climbing gear, panther traps, tranquilizer darts, vines, bananas, and more.

Backpack: Each player has a backpack with limited space to store relics and tools.

Dice: Two dice used for determining actions and animal movements.

Animals: Wooden meeples representing various jungle animals.

How To Setup Relic Expedition

To set up Relic Expedition, begin by placing the starting tiles on the table to form the initial jungle area. Each player chooses a pawn and places it on the starting tile. Players also receive a backpack to manage their items. Shuffle the relic and tool decks and place them within reach of all players. Determine the starting player and distribute the necessary components.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Variable Board: The game board expands as players explore the jungle.

Hand Management: Players must manage their backpack space carefully.

Collectible Treasures: Players collect relics to form sets.

Dangerous Wild Animals: Animals can hinder players’ progress.

Game Objective: Collect four matching relics (either by type or material) and fly away from the jungle using a helicopter spot.

Player Experience

Players take turns rolling two dice: one die determines the number of actions available, and the other die indicates which animal type will move. Actions include drawing tiles to expand the jungle, uncovering relics or tools, and navigating through the terrain using appropriate tools. Players must strategically decide what to keep in their backpack, as space is limited. The game is filled with the excitement of exploration and the challenge of managing resources.

Pros

High Replayability: The variable board ensures a different game each time.

Engaging Exploration: Players enjoy discovering new tiles and relics.

Strategic Depth: Managing backpack space and choosing the right tools adds strategy.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Cons

Luck-Dependent Actions: The number of actions per turn is determined by a dice roll, which can be unpredictable.

Limited Control: Players may find it challenging to plan ahead due to the randomness of dice rolls.

Personal Thoughts on Relic Expedition

Relic Expedition is ideal for families and casual gamers who enjoy exploration and adventure. It offers a great balance of luck and strategy, making it engaging for players of various ages and skill levels. The game’s variable board and diverse components ensure that each playthrough is unique, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. However, players who prefer games with more predictable outcomes might find the randomness of the dice rolls frustrating. Overall, Relic Expedition is a fun and challenging game that is perfect for those who love jungle adventures and treasure hunting.

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