Valley of the Pharaohs (2006) Board Game

Valley of the Pharaohs is a board game released in 2006 by Front Porch Classics. It is an adventure game set in ancient Egypt, where players compete to collect treasures from the Valley of the Pharaohs. The game is designed for 3-6 players aged 8 and above, with a runtime of around 60 minutes.

Game Components of Valley of the Pharaohs

Board: A beautifully illustrated map of Egypt printed on cloth.

Pieces: Cast metal playing pieces.

Coins: Cast metal coins.

Spinner: A wooden spinner.

Resource Cards: Three types – equipment (water, medicine, weapons), obstacles, and Reversal of Fortune cards.

Packaging: Comes in an authentic wooden book-box.

How To Setup Valley of the Pharaohs

To set up the game, players first place the cloth board on a flat surface. Each player chooses a cast metal playing piece and places it at the starting point in Alexandria. The scarab tiles are shuffled and placed face down at various dig sites around the desert. Resource cards are distributed equally among the players. The wooden spinner and metal coins are also made available. The mummy piece is placed on the board according to the initial setup rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Roll / Spin and Move, Set Collection.

Objective: Players must collect scarab tiles to complete their scarab key, avoid the wandering mummy, and be the first to capture the Sceptre of Amun-Ra and return to Alexandria.

Gameplay:
– Players roll two dice to move around Egypt.
– Rolling doubles allows a player to control the mummy.
– Players use resource cards to overcome obstacles and enter tombs.
– Reversal of Fortune cards can avoid mummy attacks, overcome obstacles, or take extra turns.

Player Experience

The game offers a fun and entertaining experience with high-quality components. The gameplay is smooth and easy to learn, making it accessible to players of nearly any age. The theme of exploring ancient Egypt, battling bandits, and schemeing to seize the Sceptre of Amun-Ra adds to the excitement. As players progress, they can select alter-egos with special abilities, adding a layer of complexity and depth to the game.

Pros

High-quality components, including cast metal pieces and a wooden spinner.

Easy to learn and play, suitable for a wide age range.

Engaging theme that brings the adventure of ancient Egypt to life.

Simple yet strategic gameplay with the use of resource cards.

Optional advanced rules with alter-egos add depth to the game.

Cons

Gameplay may not be as deep or strategically complex as some other board games.

Limited motives for adventuring in the advanced rules might make the game less appealing for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Valley of the Pharaohs

**Valley of the Pharaohs** is perfect for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, light-hearted adventure. The game’s emphasis on quality components and simple, yet engaging gameplay makes it an excellent addition to any board game collection. While it may lack the intense strategy of other games, it excels in providing an enjoyable experience that is easy to jump into and play. It is particularly suitable for younger players due to its straightforward rules and exciting theme.

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