Are you a fan of strategy games? Then you will love Ishtar, the new board game that has taken the gaming world by storm. In this review, we will cover everything you need to know about Ishtar, from the gameplay to the strategy involved. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, you will find this game both challenging and enjoyable.
What is Ishtar?
Ishtar is a strategy board game that was designed by Bruno Cathala and Evan Singh during their time at Days of Wonder. The game was first released in 2019 and quickly gained popularity because of its unique gameplay and beautiful artwork.
The aim of the game is to build the most beautiful garden in Babylon by planting flowers and trees, and by attracting animals to your garden. The game is played on a board consisting of 5x5 squares, with each square representing a plot of land that can be used to plant flowers and trees.
How to Play Ishtar
The game is played over a series of rounds, with each player taking turns to perform actions such as planting flowers and trees, attracting animals, and building fountains. The game ends when all the plots of land on the board have been used up or when a player has reached a certain number of points.
Players score points by building fountains, attracting animals to their garden, and by planting flowers and trees in specific patterns. The player with the most points at the end of the game is declared the winner.
Strategy Tips for Ishtar
To win at Ishtar, you need to have a solid strategy in place. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
1. Focus on Attracting Animals
Animals are a key component of the game and can be a great source of points. Focus on attracting animals to your garden by planting flowers and trees that they like. Each type of animal has its own preferences, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
2. Build Fountains
Fountains are worth a lot of points and can be a great way to boost your score. However, they are also expensive to build, so you need to plan carefully. Try to build fountains in areas where there are a lot of animals, as this will increase their value.
3. Plan Your Garden Layout
The layout of your garden is crucial to your success. Try to plan your garden so that you can plant flowers and trees in specific patterns that will give you points. Look for areas where you can group plants together to create patterns.
4. Play defensively
Ishtar is a competitive game, and your opponents will be trying to block your moves. Play defensively by blocking off areas of the board that your opponents might want to use. This will limit their options and give you an advantage.
FAQ
| Q: How many players can play Ishtar? | A: Ishtar can be played with 2-4 players. |
| Q: What is the recommended age for Ishtar? | A: The recommended age for Ishtar is 14 and above. |
| Q: How long does a game of Ishtar take to play? | A: A game of Ishtar can take anywhere from 45-60 minutes to play. |
Final Thoughts
Ishtar is a fantastic game that offers a unique and challenging gameplay experience. Whether you are a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of board games, you will find something to love about Ishtar.
Remember to take your time and plan your moves carefully. With a solid strategy in place, you can build the most beautiful garden in Babylon and emerge victorious.