Tikal
2- 4 players
Ages 10 & up
Playing time: 90 minutes
Publisher Rio Grande / Ravensburger
Authors: M. Kiesling/W. Kramer
Illustrator: Franz Vohwinkel

Awards
Winner Best Family Strategy Game Games Magazine 2000
Winner Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) 1999
Winner Deutscher SpielePre 1999
Winner International Gamers Award 2000

Each player is the director of an expedition intent on exploring Tikal in search of the secret paths that lead to the temples and precious treasures that have remained hidden for over 1000 years. Hire workers, build camps to excavate the temples and dig for treasures. A player receives points during four scoring rounds for each recovered treasure and for each temple that they control. But, both temples and treasures can change hands. The expedition that earns the most points exploring Tikal wins the game.

Contents: 1 large game board (70 x 50 cm) , 36 terrain hexagons, 24 round treasure wafers, 48 square temple tiles, 4 expedition leaders, 72 expedition workers, 8 camps, 4 scoring markers, 4 rule summary cards, 4 turn indicators, all in a box approximately 43 x 30 x 5 cm.

Game Guide

Theme
The game mechanics and the theme of exploration fit together very well.

Components
There is a lot in the box, the playing pieces are made of wood, tiles and treasure counters are made of thick card and the large game board is good quality. Illustrations and production throughout are excellent.

Attitude
This is quite a serious game that needs some thought, so there isn't much humour.

Tension
Tikal can get quite tense if there is competition for temples, especially towards the end of the game. And every time treasure is found their is always a rush to get there first.

Complexity
The rules would take about 20 minutes to teach. Each player has a reference card which lists all the actions you can do during your turn. Once you have learnt these actions, the mechanics aren't difficult. The recommended age is 10 and up, which is about right. Children 7 and up could play the game but may need some help.

Strategy
Tikal comes with 2 sets of rules. Players can either draw tiles or bid for them in auctions. The auction version of the game reduces the luck involved in getting good or bad tiles. In either case the of strategy involved to play well is significant.

Education
This is an excellent thinking game. It also requires basic math skills in scoring your points. If you are looking for educational activities for young students studying ancient civilizations, archeology and excavation, Tikal would be a fun and interesting introduction.

Number of Players
Tikal plays well with 2, 3 and 4 players. It's optimum depends on your personal preference. Two player games tend to be easier with each player developing their own areas while a game with 4 players will be a lot more competitive.

Conflict
There's no direct conflict, and you can't attack other players. But you can take over their temples and force a swap of treasures.

Comments
This is a turn based game, so if players take a long time to take their move, other players may become frustrated. This can be fixed by setting a time limit for each turn.