Imhotep Builder of Egypt Board Game (Too Complicated?)

Like any other board game the Imhotep Builder Game came in the gaming box and was shrink-wrapped. When I removed the shrink-wrapping I was able to open the box and the first thing I saw was the large instruction book, not booklet, book. The instructions are several full, front and back pages and there are several variations of the game. So I advise that you read them carefully and be prepared to follow step by step. This is not one of those games you can figure out by just looking at the pieces. There are several main game boards with A and B sides, including the market, temple…etc. There are boards and building cubes for 4 players, several market cards and several boat pieces that are used in game play.

I will say that this took quite a while for me to learn and I had to re-read the instructions several times. The general point of the game is strategy. You are trying to earn points and build without letting your opponent build higher or use their cubes “better” than yourself. The game is pretty fast paced and consists of 7 rounds. Some of the boards allow for immediate point redemption while others can only be calculated at the end of the game. Like I said you will need to take some time to review the instructions in order to play.

It was refreshing to try a new board game. It was unique and I look forward to playing it again. The game encourages strategic thinking which is always fun. The game pieces are very high quality.

If my objective with this game wasn’t to give a thorough review of the game play I may have been so intimidated by the sheer number of instructions that I may have given up entirely. I don’t think a game needs to be quite as detailed as this one but like I said, once I read the instructions a few times, things did start to make more sense.

The Imhotep Builder of Egypt Board Game is recommended for 2-4 players 10 and older. I think 10 is a fair age considering the complicated nature of the game and the strategy involved.

Now that I understand the Imhotep Game I can see why it is fun and look forward to playing it again. I would purchase again with the warning that this isn’t a “try for the first time at the dinner party” sort of game. Come prepared to do some reading and don’t attempt to learn this game after a glass of wine or a long day.

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