Maeshowe - An Orkney Saga

Overview of "Maeshowe - An Orkney Saga"

"Maeshowe - An Orkney Saga" is a board game that immerses players in a medieval adventure inspired by the Orkneyinga Saga. It is... (read more)

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Reviews

mixed, 63% of all reviews are favorable

Playtime

15 minutes

Published

2021

Age

12+

Publisher

Dragon Dawn Productions

Players

1 to 2 players

Designer

Lee G. Broderick

Playstyle

Relaxed

Watch videos

Will I like it?

Rahdo Rapid Review►►►Maeshowe: An Orkney Saga

How it plays

Maeshowe - Solo Playthrough [Play It Yourself]

How it looks

[Unboxing] Maeshowe (Play It Yourself)

Purchase option

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Buy Maeshowe - An Orkney Saga
from Noble Knight Games

$24.95

USD 18.00

Description

Overview of "Maeshowe - An Orkney Saga"

"Maeshowe - An Orkney Saga" is a board game that immerses players in a medieval adventure inspired by the Orkneyinga Saga. It is a cooperative and solo card game that involves strategic thinking, hand management, and a push-your-luck element. With a playtime of 15 minutes and designed for ages 12 and up, it combines set collection and careful hand management as players work together to escape a tomb filled with perils.

Gameplay Experience

Players in "Maeshowe - An Orkney Saga" can expect an engaging yet straightforward gaming experience. During the game, you will:

Manage a hand of five cards, deciding which ones to play and which to discard.
Attempt to collect and play sets of "Excavation" cards to remove rubble and escape the tomb.
Face thematic challenges like collapsing passages and food shortages, which integrate seamlessly with the game mechanics.
Experience moments of relief with helpful events, adding a layer of depth to gameplay decisions.

Strategic Elements

The game hinges on crucial decisions regarding hand management:

Players must discern the ideal time to use "Excavation" cards to ensure they are not wasted.
Balancing the health and food resources against the remaining deck of cards is critical for survival.

Luck and Chance

strategic planning is essential, elements of luck influence the game:

Uncertain events can create unexpected scenarios that players must adapt to.
Push-your-luck mechanics add tension and variability to the gameplay.

Theme and Immersion

The medieval theme is deeply ingrained in the game:

The challenges and events reflect the historical and mythical aspects of the tomb exploration narrative.
The cooperative nature encourages players to work together, enhancing the thematic experience.

Replayability and Variants

The game offers:

Additional mini-expansions and alternate set-ups for diverse gameplay and increased replayability.
A streamlined core gameplay suitable for quick sessions or multiple back-to-back games.

Final Considerations

"Maeshowe - An Orkney Saga" provides a satisfying blend of light strategy and luck, wrapped in a rich medieval theme. It's perfect for quick gaming sessions and is easily accessible to new players, offering depth and variety for more experienced gamers.