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Main Catalogue | BOARD GAMES & CARD GAMES | Schmidt | Eschnapur

Eschnapur

Price: £23.99

Schmidt Spiele 3-5 players, 60 minutes designed by Reinhard Staupe reviewed by Mike Clifford A little over ten years ago (around the time of Cafe International), Eschnapur would have won the Spiel des Jahres hands down and we would have all revelled in the game\'s excellent presentation and interaction. Now, we are a far hardier bunch, cynics all, who expect nothing less than the standards set by, say, Modern Art, with each new release. As we grow more sophisticated in this search for Nirvana, a cup of Short Shrift is dispensed for games promising all but delivering little. Unfortunately, Eschnapur fits all too snugly into this category. The game is not bereft of good ideas or a satisfactory, if slightly tired, premise -- collecting treasure from within temple walls. In fact, a first run through earned universal approval. Later plays, have, sadly, pointed to a design flaw, hardly insurmountable, but with us being buried beneath a Euro Games Mountain, unlikely to be fixed. And just what is this imperfection preventing a euphoric critique? And why isn\'t there the resolve to eradicate it? See what you make of the following: Eschnapur is driven by a set of Number cards which feature when a Treasure tile is revealed. Each player must select a card (or pass), the spoils being divided as follows: The highest card (they are numbered from 1-30) obtains the victory points, but must pay the number of coins indicated. The lowest card takes the tile, and receives the coin value (if any). It is crucial to compete for these tiles, because they provide a decent bonus at the game\'s conclusion. Number cards are replenished via the exchange of Stock tiles (see later), or may be individually purchased for three coins (at any time). All well and good, unless you consistently draw mid-range cards (from, say 12-20), when you are unlikely to gain anything. Players can still bluster along, picking up points, but will find the lead marker consistently out of reach. Which leads us to problem number two, which I suspect might have been the designer\'s response to this quandary. Any player in sole possession of last place gains the monk symbol, and may double any points scored during his tenure, ended when he advances his position. I alluded to the chance to potter along even if the decent cards fail to find your hand. By moving around the board, and playing the correct Symbol card, you may enter a temple chamber and claim the smaller of the two values shown on the Treasure tile. (The challenge process previously described then takes place for the larger.) Playing the pass card (returnable) earns four coins, and additional booty is obtained during the game\'s first phase, when each player draws two Stock tiles during their turn, one being kept and the other offered around the table (for any commodity). These tiles provide coins, either of the two card types or Movement tiles. In the event that they are not traded, they have a base value of two coins from the bank. So, if all is not lost and you can move and stay involved, why nail the designer for one blemish? As I explained, the boffins amongst you will spot a low draw pile and move to maximise their hand from the soon-to-be shuffled discards. If you have remembered that, say, the 1, 2, 3, 4, 25, 29 and 30 have been used, then these will swiftly return to play. Doubling the deck size would almost certainly ease this weakness. Eschnapur generates a decent atmosphere, and sufficient options to explore and barter. It is also a terrific looking package. But it involves this hugely frustrating brick wall into which I am no longer prepared to run.

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Main Catalogue | BOARD GAMES & CARD GAMES | Schmidt | Eschnapur

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