Shadow of the Obelisk (2020) Board Game

Shadow of the Obelisk is a board game released in 2020, designed by Jakub Fajtanowski and Zbigniew Umgelter. It is a game that falls under the ancient category and features a paper-and-pencil mechanism, making it a unique addition to the world of board games.

Game Components of Shadow of the Obelisk

Game board featuring Ancient Egypt

Worker tokens

Resource tokens

Dice

Obelisk construction pieces

Player boards

How To Setup Shadow of the Obelisk

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a player board and places it within reach. The worker tokens, resource tokens, and obelisk construction pieces are distributed according to the rules. Players also receive a starting set of resources and workers. The dice are placed on the board, surrounding the central area where the obelisk will be constructed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their workers to gather resources, construct parts of the obelisk, and perform other actions.

Resource Management: Players must manage their resources effectively to build the obelisk.

Dice Rolling: Dice are used to determine available actions and resources.

Objective: The goal is to contribute to the construction of the largest obelisk in Ancient Egypt, earning points based on the contributions made.

Player Experience

Playing **Shadow of the Obelisk** involves strategic planning and resource management. Players need to balance their worker placement and resource gathering to make significant contributions to the obelisk’s construction. The game offers a immersive experience, transporting players to Ancient Egypt, where they compete to leave their mark on history.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s Ancient Egyptian setting is rich and engaging.

Deep Strategy: The combination of worker placement and resource management offers a challenging yet rewarding experience.

High Replayability: The game includes multiple paths to victory, ensuring different experiences each time.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex for new players, requiring a significant learning curve.

Length: Games can be quite long, as players need to manage multiple aspects of the obelisk’s construction.

Personal Thoughts on Shadow of the Obelisk

**Shadow of the Obelisk** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex strategies and resource management. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate a strong thematic element and are willing to invest time in learning the game mechanics. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a deeply satisfying experience for those who enjoy a challenge.

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