Tikal
Boardgame Session @ Games Circle on Saturday 26 August 06:
I arrived too late to join in the game but was able to observe throughout the gameplay:
That’s me, the guy on the far right end (squint, and you’ll see me, ok? :P)
The game is about the exploration of Mayan temples in the South American region of Tikal. This game is the first of a series of action-points boardgame, followed by Mexica and Java. Tikal has the medium tactical difficulty while Java is the most tactical of the lot. (Note: I helped my friend bought Java but haven’t play it yet, when are we playing this, Teng Hock?!?).
In Tikal, rival archeology groups race against each other to find and restore temple ruins. A new hexagonal tile of the Incan jungle is revealed each turn. Each player is allocated 10 action points to move his explorers, restore temples, set up new base camps, set up temple guards, dig for treasures, trade treasures, etc. As you can see, there are lots of things to do with a limited amount of action points. Most turns can be quite analytical and brain burning… analysis paralysis!
The board is beautiful, and the components are nice:
As the board expands, it really evokes the feeling of jungle exploration!
Definately a keeper, from what I see. Lot’s of tactical play and chance to screw people over!
Before the Tikal game ended, I helped setup a table of Ticket to Ride: Europe for a group of gamers milling around. Yep, I taught my first game at Games Circle to a group of gamers. Here are some photos of me in action 
Another shot of me listing some points:
A close up of *gasp* an animated Aik Yong:
I didn’t have enough time to play, so I just taught the game, clarified some rules and became the card dispenser (2 face downs? here you go…)
Special thanks to gamers Chris, Irsal, Daniel and bro for posing as gamer students in the shots!
Note: All pics courtesy of Jeff, the boardgame organiser and addict
