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(More customer reviews)People have come to think of Monopoly whenever board games are mentioned. What a disservice to Eurogames, the new variety of board games that have taken board gaming to the next level. Now there is a more direct relationship to the decisions you make and the results you achieve.
Tikal is one of the best Eurogames out there. It was one of the first games I acquired after discovering board games again as an adult. Now, 4 years into my new hobby and more than 150 games later, Tikal still remains one of the best games in my collection.
Tikal uses an economy of actions whereby each player on his turn can spend 10 points doing various activites on the board. There are plenty of choices but players have to make the tough decision of assessing what actions will provide them with the best payoff. Payoff comes by way of victory points -- scored in 4 quarters spread over the course of the game.
Players deploy their expedition members to the board and direct them to
* discover and excavate temple ruins,
* discover and dig up treasure,
* gain control of the most valuable temples esp. on scoring rounds,
* and steal temples from other players.
Additionally, players may create up to 2 camp sites during the course of the game. The idea behind this is to snatch up prime locations near goodies like temples and treasures. Remember, the game is about an economy of action. The players who are most efficient in spending their actions and most effective in choosing which actions will have the most profitable payoffs will get the most points. Cleverly placed camps will provide one player (hopefully) with more efficient access to contested temples. As temples can only be scored (on scoring rounds) by a player who has greater presence (more party members) at temple sites than any other player, efficient access will lend an edge to capturing these valuable temples.
Tikal is a truly marvelous game. It's a prime example of what games aspire to be. People think Monopoly because that's all they know. They have yet to try games that teach us to be efficient and effective, not merely lucky. Kids will be turned on by using their brains, and -- believe it or not -- so will adults. I play Tikal with my adult friends all the time -- they love it! After playing the basic version, adults should move on to the auction version for an even more exciting game.
Invest a little time in Tikal. You'll learn subtle nuances of play every time and develop better tactics. After exploring the temple ruins of an ancient civilization and vying for control of temples and treasure and you'll forget all about Boardwalk and Park Place.
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Tikal is a game of exploration within the Central American jungles in search of lost temples and the treasures within. Players send their team of explorers into the jungle, exposing more and more of the terrain. Along the way you find temples which require further uncovering and treasures. Players attempt to score points for occupying temples and holding onto treasure.Tikal is the first game of the Mask Trilogy.
