Whenever I see an abstract strategy game which can be played by more than two players I am intrigued.
There have been a number of attempts at making a strategy game which works for multiple players, most failing because they end up being 'kingmaker' in the end.
Saaguan is a pretty solid effort in overcoming that problem, and designer Andrew Cooke deserves definite kudos for accomplishing that to start with.
"Players have identical pieces called "Robots". Each robot has an imaginary "beam"; if it hits an opponent's robot it threatens it," explained the rule set.
"New robots are placed anywhere in the "corridor" of the board (no fixed start position means all games start differently) and can subsequently be moved in three ways; rotate left, rotate right, advance one unit in the direction of the beam."
You want to catch an opponent's piece in the beam, but one beam is only a threat. It takes a concerted effort to actually destroy a robot.
"If two beams threaten an opponent's robot it is "Locked" (shown by the black locking ring). It cannot move and its beam is disabled," detailed the rules.
"If three beams hit a robot, then it is "Shutdown" and removed from the board."
There are options available to a player to 'unlock' a robot, which gives players options beyond straight offence.
In a game players start with more robots in head-to-head combat, each having eight robots.
For five, or six players, you start with only three.
The pieces are nicely made of wood, and the six colours are different enough to make identifying pieces easy.
Rings are provided that fit nicely on pieces to show the robot is 'locked down'.
A dice is used to determine who goes first.
The boards, yes there are two, one with squares the other with hexagons, are heavy cloth.
The overall effect of the cloth boards and wooden pieces is a nicely made artisan game.
The two boards give additional play options.
When you consider two boards and the ability to play two-to-six players, there is a lot of options associated with Saaguan.
Definitely a game to look at if you want a perfect information game which facilitates multi-player action.
Check it out at www.saaguan.com
If anyone is interested in this game, or other board games feel free to contact [email protected]
