Towers of Am’harb (2019) Board Game

Towers of Am’harb is a board game released in 2019 by TANSAN Inc. It is a fantasy-themed game that incorporates elements of mythology and abstract strategy. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a runtime of 30-45 minutes and is recommended for players aged 15 and up. The game features mechanics such as area majority/influence, pattern building, set collection, tile placement, and variable player powers.

Game Components of Towers of Am’harb

Modular board pieces (double-sided for various layouts)

8 different cult boards, each with a unique Cosmic Power

Wooden tower discs (4 per player)

Player boards

Followers (3 priests, 6 cultists per player)

Resource tiles (red, yellow, blue)

Altar tiles (worth 3, 4, or 5 doom points each)

Lock tokens

How To Setup Towers of Am’harb

To set up the game, start by constructing the modular board, which is designed to accommodate 2 to 4 players. The board pieces are double-sided, allowing for multiple different layouts. Each player chooses a cult board, which comes with its own unique Cosmic Power. The board is filled with random resource tiles and altar tiles. Each player starts with their player board, wooden discs, and a supply of followers (priests and cultists).

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Majority / Influence: Players place followers to control areas around the altars.

Pattern Building: Manage the placement of wooden discs to optimize resource use and follower placement.

Set Collection: Collect resources to facilitate follower placements.

Tile Placement: Place followers on the board strategically.

Variable Player Powers: Each cult board offers a unique Cosmic Power.

Objective: Gain control of scoring altars to accumulate doom points. The player with the highest doom points awakens their Great Old One and leads humanity into a new dark age.

Player Experience

Towers of Am’harb offers a engaging and challenging experience, blending strategic area control with the puzzle-like mechanics of managing wooden discs. The game’s setup ensures that every game is different, thanks to the modular board and random tile placements. Players must balance resource management and follower placement to maximize their influence over the altars. The game’s light and abstract nature makes it accessible, yet the depth of strategy keeps it engaging for more experienced players.

Pros

Modular Board: Ensures a different game layout each time.

Variable Player Powers: Unique Cosmic Powers for each cult add replayability.

Strategic Depth: Balancing resource management and follower placement offers a satisfying puzzle to solve.

Short Playtime: A 30-45 minute game, making it a great option for a quick but meaningful game session.

Cons

Theme May Not Appeal to All: The Lovecraftian theme might not be to everyone’s taste, though the game mechanics stand on their own.

Abstract Nature: Some players might find the game too light or abstract compared to more complex strategy games.

Personal Thoughts on Towers of Am’harb

Towers of Am’harb is ideal for players who enjoy abstract strategy games with a hint of thematic flair. It’s perfect for those who appreciate games that are quick to set up and play but still offer a good level of strategic depth. The game is particularly suited for fans of the Cthulhu mythos, though the mechanics are engaging enough to appeal to a broader audience. If you’re looking for a game that combines area control with puzzle-like elements, Towers of Am’harb is definitely worth exploring.

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