Sphinx (1987) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sphinx is a classic board game released in 1987, designed by Mark Berger and Edith Grein-Böttcher. The game is all about deduction, exploration, and navigating through a maze. With a modular board, point-to-point movement, and secret unit deployment, players must use their strategic thinking to outwit their opponent in this two-player game.

Game Components of Sphinx

Game Board: A maze with various symbols and Sphinxes

Dice: Three dice used for movement

Sphinx Cards: Coloured cards used to solve the puzzle

Mummy Hand Symbol: Allows players to peek at the colour of a Sphinx’s base

Sphinxes: Six Sphinxes with different coloured bases, three in the center and three on the side

How To Setup Sphinx

To set up the game, each player starts on the same square in the maze. The game board is arranged with the Sphinxes in their initial positions. Players need to understand the symbols on the board, such as the Sphinx card and the mummy hand, which play crucial roles in the gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Rolling: Players move around the maze by rolling three dice.

Grid Movement: Movement is restricted to the paths on the maze.

Memory: Players need to remember the colours of the Sphinxes.

Strategy: Players must plan their moves to collect the correct Sphinx cards.

Game Objective

The objective is to advance to the middle of the maze and present the correct coloured Sphinx cards in the correct order to reach the treasure. The game includes a twist where a double snake symbol on the dice forces a player to swap one of the Sphinxes in the center with one on the side, changing the colour pattern.

Player Experience

“Sphinx” offers a fun and challenging experience for kids, introducing them to strategy and memory games. The game is engaging and requires players to think ahead and remember key details about the Sphinxes’ colours. It also provides a learning opportunity about the myth and history of the Sphinx.

Pros

Educational Value: Introduces kids to strategy, memory games, and historical context.

Engaging: The game is short and fun, keeping kids engaged.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for playing with family members, including older kids teaching younger ones.

Cons

Complexity for Younger Kids: It might be slightly challenging for very young children to understand and remember the colour patterns.

Limited Player Count Information: The exact number of players is not specified in the available sources.

Personal Thoughts on Sphinx

“Sphinx” is an excellent choice for families looking for a game that combines fun with educational value. It is particularly suitable for kids who are a bit older and can appreciate the strategic elements. The game serves as a great introduction to more complex board games and can be a wonderful addition to any family game night. However, it may not be the best fit for very young children due to its memory and strategy requirements.

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