Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun (2020) Board Game

Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun is a board game released in 2020 by Board&Dice. Designed by Daniele Tascini and Dávid Turczi, the game takes players back to ancient Egypt, where they must compete to build the great obelisk of the sun. With stunning artwork by Michał Długaj, Jakub Fajtanowski, Zbigniew Umgelter, and Aleksander Zawada, the game immerses players in the rich mythology and history of ancient Egypt.

Game Components of Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun

Game Board: Divided into six sections, each associated with an Egyptian god (Horus, Ra, Hathor, Bastet, Thoth, and Osiris).

Dice: Five colors (black, white, grey, yellow, and brown) that correspond to different resources or actions.

Obelisk: A central feature that casts its shadow onto different parts of the board, affecting the status of the dice.

Cards: Used for bonuses and additional endgame scoring, with effects explained through icons.

Player Boards: For tracking resources, happiness, and production capacity.

How To Setup Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun

Setup involves placing the game board, positioning the obelisk, and distributing the dice among the six sections. Each player receives a player board and initial resources. The game is language-independent, using iconography to explain actions and effects.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Drafting: Players draft dice from the six sections around the obelisk.

Income: Generating resources based on the color and value of the dice.

Card Drafting: Taking cards for bonuses and endgame scoring.

Pattern Building: Constructing pillars and buildings in the temple.

Turn Order: Stat-Based: Determined by the balance of Pure and Tainted actions.

Objective: To gather the most victory points by performing god actions, building structures, and balancing resources and happiness.

Player Experience

Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun is a game with a steep learning curve, offering a complex and strategic experience. Players must carefully manage the balance of their actions to avoid negative consequences during the Maat phase. The game is highly replayable due to its multiple paths to victory and the dynamic nature of the obelisk’s shadow.

Pros

High Replay Value: Multiple ways to win and dynamic gameplay.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Thematic Integration: Strongly themed around ancient Egyptian mythology.

Language-Independent: Easy to understand through iconography.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players.

Length: While each round is relatively short, the game can take 60-120 minutes to complete.

Crowded Board: Some players may find the board too cluttered.

Personal Thoughts on Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun

Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex, strategic gameplay. It is not suitable for casual players due to its steep learning curve and intricate mechanics. However, for those who appreciate a challenge and deep strategy, this game offers a rich and rewarding experience.

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