Voice of the Mummy (1971) – Board Game Guys

Voice of the Mummy

“Voice of the Mummy” is a three-dimensional board game produced by Milton Bradley in 1971. The game is popular and significant for several reasons:

Voice of the Mummy was innovative in its time, featuring gender-diverse pawns and a miniature record player concealed inside the mummy’s sarcophagus.

The game’s theme of exploring an ancient pharaoh’s tomb and the use of a record player to instruct players added an element of excitement and novelty.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players move around a multi-level pyramid collecting gems, and the small battery-powered record player inside the sarcophagus at the center of the board instructs them with randomly played messages.

The Game Components of Voice of the Mummy include:
– Tiered game board
– Mini record player hidden under the mummy’s sarcophagus
– Four explorer pawns in different colors
– Four home base temples
– 28 precious jewels
– One great jewel
– One cobra spell piece
– Double-sided record
– Single six-sided die
– Instruction manual

Game Setup of Voice of the Mummy

The Game Setup of Voice of the Mummy involves placing the tiered game board in the center of the playing area, arranging the explorer pawns and home base temples around the board, and setting the record player inside the mummy’s sarcophagus.

The gameplay is as follows:
Players take turns rolling the die and moving their explorer pawns around the pyramid, collecting jewels and avoiding the paralyzing touch of the slimy snails of Arro. When a player lands on an image of the mummy, they pull the lever on the mummy’s sarcophagus to hear a command from the dead pharaoh, played via a concealed record player and small yellow record. Players follow the mummy’s command, which may involve giving up jewels to fellow players, taking jewels from other players, or moving up or down the game board. The game ends when a player acquires the great jewel and the cobra’s spell, and the record is turned over, directing players to exit the pyramid.

The game’s objective is to be the first player to arrive at the mummy inside the sarcophagus and receive the “great jewel” while avoiding the evil cobra “spell”. The player experience is immersive and engaging, as players navigate the three-dimensional game board and follow the mummy’s commands, making for a fun and exciting gameplay experience.

Game Components of Voice of the Mummy

Game Board: A 3D styrofoam pyramid base with a multi-level structure.

Mummy Sarcophagus: Contains a small battery-powered record player.

Record: A two-sided record with 20 different tracks on each side, providing the Mummy’s commands.

Explorers: Four player tokens, two male and two female, in different colors.

Jewels: 26 green jewels and one Great Jewel, along with a Cobra piece.

Dice: Used for player movement.

Jewel Holders: Four holders with detailed graphics.

Spell: A piece that affects gameplay, particularly in the second half of the game.

How To Setup Voice of the Mummy

To set up the game, place the 3D styrofoam board on top of the box base. Distribute the 26 green jewels on the “Precious Jewel” spaces around the board. Each player chooses an explorer token and places it in their respective temple corner. The Great Jewel and Cobra are placed in the Mummy’s foot and head, respectively. Ensure the record is correctly inserted into the record player inside the Mummy’s sarcophagus.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Collect the most jewels and return to your temple.

Movement: Players roll a dice to move around the pyramid.

Jewel Collection: Land on “Precious Jewel” spaces by exact count to collect jewels.

Mummy’s Commands: When landing on a “Mummy’s Head” space, press the lever to hear the Mummy’s message from the record player and follow the instructions.
– In the first half, messages are generally positive, such as gaining jewels or moving up levels.
– After collecting the Great Jewel, the record is flipped, and messages become negative, such as losing jewels or being stuck.

Player Interaction: Players can steal jewels from each other by landing on their spaces by exact count.

Second Half: After the Great Jewel is collected, players must return to their temples while avoiding the Mummy’s negative commands.

Player Experience

Playing **Voice of the Mummy** is an immersive and dynamic experience, especially with the unique feature of the Mummy’s voice commands. The game combines elements of luck, strategy, and social interaction, making each game session different. The detailed 3D board and the Mummy’s sarcophagus add to the game’s thematic and visual appeal.

Pros

Innovative Design: The use of a record player inside the Mummy’s sarcophagus was revolutionary for 1971.

Immersive Theme: The game’s Egyptian theme, complete with hieroglyphics and pyramid structure, enhances the gameplay experience.

Dynamic Gameplay: The Mummy’s commands introduce unpredictability, making the game exciting and challenging.

Social Interaction: Players can steal jewels from each other, adding a competitive layer to the game.

Cons

Complex Setup: The game requires careful setup, including placing the record and ensuring the Mummy’s sarcophagus is functioning correctly.

Component Rarity: The game’s components, especially the record player and record, can be difficult to find or replace.

Age and Condition: As a vintage game, finding it in good condition can be challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Voice of the Mummy

**Voice of the Mummy** is a labor of love from Milton Bradley, showcasing exceptional design and innovation. It is ideal for those who appreciate vintage board games, unique mechanics, and an immersive theme. The game is suitable for players aged 7 to 14, but its complexity and charm make it enjoyable for adults as well. For collectors and enthusiasts of retro board games, **Voice of the Mummy** is a rare gem that offers a unique gaming experience.

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