The Adventurers and the Temple of Chac

Exceptionally nice package. I had the opportunity to play with the painted characters and that was a nice upgrade as well.

In spite of the nature of this game's theme it is designed to keep luck in its appropriate place, even when considered on the very narrow scale generally enjoyed by the denizens of this web site. Most luck in the game will have more impact on the overall narrative than any individual player, and will therefore give each play of the game a bit of a spirit of its own. Hidden treasures keep you guessing a bit, and with multiple paths to the finish (literally that is, not figuratively) you have good control over your own fate, and ownership in a game such as this is key.

What appears on the table before you is a fun romp through a slice of Indiana Jones-style adventuring. Plush pieces and simple rules make for a quick startup and larger-than-life play, making it ideal for kids and grandparents as well as seasoned gamers looking for something different even if it only lasts 30 or so minutes. After you've bent your brain cells on a play of 'gric or PR this game will be just the tonic you need to get smiling and laughing at each other.

The only drawback to the game in my mind is its length -- THIS much fun needs a bit more time to play itself out and that means it's time for expansions baby! Different treasure cards and special player powers could be pumped out on the cheap and in short order, but I want boards. BOARDS! Modular design would be a lay-up to add on to this critter and would make it every bit as valuable a property as Heroscape or BattleLore have ever been. Modular design could let you purchase a bit here and a bit there, and people could combine their copies to build grand sets. Given the theme, the sky is the limit. I look forward to the swinging pendulum trap.

AEG found the bullseye on this one. If they're smart they'll gently eject the casing and fire again at the exact same target. I could blow $150 on this title and not regret one penny of it.[/b]