IELLO Mexica Board Game

The game rules are simple and intuitive to learn. I explained the available actions to my family while they each held the small reminder the game provides for each player and by the time I was done going through them, they each put the card down and haven't needed it again. I read through the game manual once and that was enough... we kept it nearby for reference during our first game but didn't need it much. (if at all? I think my son might have thumbed through it a few times but nothing came of it)Physically, the game doesn't sprawl out much beyond the board itself. We played it on our ottoman in the living room, which is just big enough for the board itself, and had no trouble storing all the reserve pieces out of the way in the "margins" of the board. There isn't any hidden info in this game; its all out in the open on the board. The gameplay for Mexica could easily have turned into a very dry, abstract, game of placing "stones" and "tiles" but the theme of the game never fails to shine through. I love this aspect of it.The pyramid structures are very cool and by the end of the game, you'll all have contributed to building a neat looking city and will undoubtedly think to take a picture of it. However, within each of the districts you've built and across the entire board, there will be stories about each district that was fought over and "stolen" back and forth throughout the game. There might be a canal that was purposefully placed so as to ruin somebody's brilliant idea or a dinky, 1 level structure built only to ruin a bridge or even block a player in.This is where this game might not be for everybody. There are lots of opportunities to step in front of and downright kick the legs out of other players best laid plans. As soon as you think an intended plan is set, somebody could swoop in and reduce it to rubble... possibly unintentionally but just as likely they knew exactly what you were thinking and acted accordingly. Long term strategizing is almost pointless if your opponents are paying attention, this game is almost all about tactics and opportunities you can spot and execute almost immediately based on the state the board is left for you. You can easily get drawn into mutually destructive battle with others over a district which, in the larger scheme of things, might not even be worth the effort... but we all know it can happen. :)Great game, but not if you've got a hot-head or two in your group.

This is currently my favorite board game. I love it.Tons of player interaction and ways to counter each other's strategy. The pieces are beautiful. This is one of those rare reprints of a game that is better than the original. The resin temples look so good on the gorgeous board. If you have played these designers' other games TIKAL and JAVA, I would say both of those are heavier, TIKAL a bit and JAVA much more so. MEXICA is quick play. While you have 6 action points per turn, they get used up quickly. The best dynamic of this game over the other two games are the borrowing AP credits until following turns. So much fun to borrow ahead and then take two full turns to really put the screws to your opponents. It plays well with 2 and 3. I have not yet tried it with 4, but I imagine it would fun and even more feisty!

Good game great components!

Great quality of components for the price and the core game is simple yet quite deep and thematic! We didn't understand fully all the small details of the rules on our first playthrough after just 5 minutes of reading, but that didn't hurt the enjoyment. And I can see how those subtleties will make it more complex and engaging in future runs.

Very abstract brain burner game. High high quality components. Has an Aztec theme but its not really thematic. However, the game is very puzzlely and thinky. I would stick to lower player counts because of AP is definite. Fairly easy to learn, but not easy to win. I suggest using a D6 to keep track of your actions during a turn. The components are top notch. Great game if you want to work your brain.

I was disappointed. Their previous effort, Tikal, offered a universe of decisions that had an actual effect. Their was room for strategy. This seems designed for a much younger player.

This game is super fun! I have played the older version with the plastic pieces, and they do not compare to the heavy resin pieces included in this set. It definitely adds to the game board landscape. This game plays quick and is easy to pick-up so good for all kinds of gamers. As mentioned, it's a board control game; zone out areas with canals, and the most or tallest temples to gain control of a zone. you can also travel around the board via canal networks which adds an extra layer of movement and fun. Great game over all, this is a good version to pick-up, I highly recommend you try it!! :D

Published originally in 2002 but rereleased by Iello, this game has a low profile (at least in the circles I run in). I have played this with 2, 3, and 4 players counts. Engaging rules and a lot of unique possibilities. The components are top notch and really add to the flavor of the game. Totally keeping this one as part of my regular collection.