Sphinx (1999) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sphinx is a board game released in 1999, designed by Chris Mitchell and featuring artwork by Ravensburger. The game is set in ancient Egypt and revolves around exploration and set collection mechanics. With a runtime of 30-40 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above, Sphinx offers an immersive and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Sphinx

Game board depicting the interior of a pyramid

Sphinx pieces (three in the center and three on the side)

Sphinx cards (colored cards)

Mummy hand tokens

Dice (with symbols including a double snake)

Treasure tokens

Player pieces

How To Setup Sphinx

To set up the game, players start at the same square in the maze. The game board is laid out, with the three central Sphinxes and the three side Sphinxes positioned accordingly. Each player chooses a piece to represent them on the board. The Sphinx cards are stacked next to the board, and each player is ready to roll the dice to begin their journey.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Movement: Players roll three dice to determine their movement.

Sphinx Cards: Players collect colored Sphinx cards by landing on specific squares.

Mummy Hand: Allows players to reveal the color of the base of one of the Sphinxes.

Double Snake Symbol: Forces a player to swap a central Sphinx with one on the side, changing the color pattern.

Game Objective: Advance to the middle of the maze and correctly present the Sphinx cards in the correct color order to reach the treasure.

Player Experience

Sphinx is a game that combines strategy, memory, and a bit of luck. Players must remember the colors of the Sphinxes and strategically plan their moves to collect the correct colored cards. The game is relatively short, lasting about half an hour or less, making it a great introduction to more complex games for older kids.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s pyramid and Sphinx theme is intriguing and educational.

Develops Strategy and Memory: Helps kids develop strategic thinking and memory skills.

Quick Gameplay: Short playtime makes it suitable for younger players.

Interactive: Involves rolling dice and moving pieces, keeping players engaged.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May be too simple for older players.

Component Dependency: The game relies heavily on the availability of all components, particularly the Sphinx pieces and cards.

Random Elements: The double snake symbol can significantly alter the game state, which might be frustrating for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Sphinx

Sphinx is an excellent game for kids who are a bit older and looking for a slightly more challenging experience. It serves as a great introduction to strategy and memory games, while also providing a fun and educational insight into ancient Egyptian mythology. It’s a perfect addition to any family game collection, especially for those interested in history and myth. However, it may not offer enough complexity for adult gamers seeking more mature gameplay.

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