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My Thoughts on Thebes on Thu Nov 27, 2008 12:08 pm
At first glance, the game looks impressive... 5 felt bag loaded with nice decorative chips, an intriguing board... and above all, excellent art on all the cards...
I would think the game with the closest resemblance (in terms of game mechanics) is Around the World in 80 days. All players have the same amount of "time units" and the player who manages that the best wins.
Players get a typical 150-ish (unsure) time units. You use these time units, called WEEKS in the game to perform several actions.
1) Move to other territories (1 week per step)
2) Pick up books & gain knowledge (X weeks as stated on card)
3) Excavate a ruin (X weeks of your choice)
4) Hold an exhibition (X weeks as stated on card)
The turn order is pretty straightforward, you simply perform actions until you are no longer last in terms of weeks spent.
The only bad thing about this game is the innate randomness of tile picking from a bag, which reminds me of RA, which I happen to hate... there are 14 pieces of treaure in each bag and 14 pieces of debris... while you get to retain any treasure you have, the inconsiderate nature of archaelogist stipulates that you throw all your debris back into the cave fto hinder other opponents!
I would play this game again, although you would hear me lament about random elements again... =)
I would think the game with the closest resemblance (in terms of game mechanics) is Around the World in 80 days. All players have the same amount of "time units" and the player who manages that the best wins.
Players get a typical 150-ish (unsure) time units. You use these time units, called WEEKS in the game to perform several actions.
1) Move to other territories (1 week per step)
2) Pick up books & gain knowledge (X weeks as stated on card)
3) Excavate a ruin (X weeks of your choice)
4) Hold an exhibition (X weeks as stated on card)
The turn order is pretty straightforward, you simply perform actions until you are no longer last in terms of weeks spent.
The only bad thing about this game is the innate randomness of tile picking from a bag, which reminds me of RA, which I happen to hate... there are 14 pieces of treaure in each bag and 14 pieces of debris... while you get to retain any treasure you have, the inconsiderate nature of archaelogist stipulates that you throw all your debris back into the cave fto hinder other opponents!
I would play this game again, although you would hear me lament about random elements again... =)
