Saqqara (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Saqqara is a board game released in 2012, designed by Matthias Catrein and published by White Goblin Games. The game is set in ancient Egypt, specifically in the city of Saqqara, known for its famous Step Pyramid. Players take on the roles of ancient Egyptian nobles competing to build the most prestigious tombs and monuments in the city.

Game Components of Saqqara

Game board: Representing the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Saqqara.

Player tokens and figures: Symbolizing the different types of workers and officials.

Resource tokens: For managing resources such as workers, materials, and influence.

Card deck: Containing various tasks, events, and blessings.

Dice: Used for resolving actions and determining resource availability.

Minor components: Such as score tokens, burial cards, and pharaoh cards.

How To Setup Saqqara

To set up Saqqara, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a set of tokens and figures to represent their workers and officials. The resource tokens are distributed according to the starting rules. The card deck is shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player receives a starting hand of cards. The dice are placed on the board to denote the current resource availability. Finally, the minor components such as score tokens, burial cards, and pharaoh cards are prepared and set aside for later use.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their worker tokens on various locations on the board to perform different actions.

Resource Management: Managing resources such as workers, materials, and influence to execute tasks.

Card Play: Using cards to undertake specific tasks, gain benefits, or overcome challenges.

Dice Rolling: Rolling dice to determine the resources available for the turn.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most victory points by completing tasks, burying pharaohs, and fulfilling the demands of the pharaohs.

Player Experience

Playing Saqqara involves a blend of strategic planning and tactical execution. Players must balance resource management with the need to complete various tasks and fulfill the demands of the pharaohs. The game requires a mix of short-term and long-term thinking, as players need to manage their current resources while also planning for future turns.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a complex and engaging gameplay experience with multiple paths to victory.

Thematic Integration: The game’s mechanics are closely tied to its ancient Egyptian theme, making it immersive.

High Replayability: The combination of card draws, dice rolls, and variable player powers ensures each game is unique.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game has many components and rules, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Long Playtime: Games can take several hours to complete, which may not be suitable for all players.

Complexity: The interplay between different mechanics can be confusing for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Saqqara

Saqqara is a game tailored for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex, strategic games. It is ideal for players who appreciate deep resource management, worker placement, and variable player powers. However, due to its complexity and long playtime, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to the hobby. If you enjoy games like Agricola or Puerto Rico, Saqqara is definitely worth exploring.

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