Photo above is property of Thames & Kosmos
Company: Thames & Kosmos
Game: Cartaventura: Lhasa
Country: USA 🇺🇸
Language: English
Type of Game: Tabletop Games 📬
Genre: Adventure
Date Played: Novmber 28, 2023
Difficulty (based on 1 player): 2/10
Size of Team: 1-6 Players
Time: Unlimited (Approximately 60 Mins)
Price: $14.99
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Embark on an enthralling adventure to find explorer Alexandra David-Neel. In this collaborative game for up to six players, the narrative takes center stage. Journey through Ceylon, India, and the Himalayas to the forbidden city of Lhasa, making critical decisions that shape the rich storyline. With each card drawn, the plot unfolds towards one of five potential endings. This quest is a dynamic and immersive experience, perfect for those who relish a compelling narrative in their gaming adventures.
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The game adeptly unfolds its narrative through thoughtfully designed cards that cleverly form a map during gameplay, offering players a visual guide for seamless progression. Character illustrations are carefully crafted, seamlessly integrating into the game's world with a distinctive style that enhances the overall aesthetic charm.
Moreover, the legible and concise text ensures a smooth reading experience, striking a balance that captures the essence of the narrative without overwhelming the players with excessive details. This meticulous attention to both visual and textual elements not only enhances the overall storytelling experience but also contributes to the game's appeal.
Photos above are property of Thames & Kosmos
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The gameplay of this game is remarkably straightforward, to the extent that a minuscule rule book is almost unnecessary. You're handed a substantial deck of cards and instructed to read through them sequentially. Each card features distinct symbols, with some representing items to be retained for later and others denoting events that unfold immediately. Regardless, the presentation remains remarkably simple as you and your group advance through the game.
The cards are arranged in a map-like pattern, offering various locations to engage with. The game unfolds through multiple potential endings, and discovering the so-called "proper" conclusion may require a few playthroughs. Upon completing the game or attaining an ending, a quick card reset readies you for another round of play. This seamless cycle ensures that the gaming experience is not only accessible but also encourages replayability for an ongoing and enjoyable journey.
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This game doesn't revolve much around puzzles. In fact, there are no puzzles to engage with; it's purely narrative-based. In this game, you and your group collaboratively navigate a storyline, aiming to discover the optimal path leading to the best ending – locating Alexandria David-Neel. The experience is reminiscent of the classic "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" game, emphasizing storytelling over intricate puzzle-solving elements.
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
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After playing through the game a few times and achieving three of the different endings, the game may not hold the expected level of engagement. Despite offering valuable information and geography lessons, it doesn't quite fit the category of a game one would consistently revisit. Some of the logical leaps or methods of navigation within the game might feel arbitrary. While the card narratives contain subtle clues, they often lack the clarity needed for well-informed decisions, possibly leading to an early loss.
Typically, what occurs is that after completing the game and resetting the deck, there may not be a significant interest in continuing the exploration of storylines. There seems to be a disconnect between the initial intrigue and the desire to delve into subsequent playthroughs, impacting the overall replayability of the game.
Fortunately, given its affordable price point, this game might appeal to groups interested in historical fiction and narrative-heavy adventures. Notably, there's an entire section in the rule book dedicated to Alexandra David-Neel, making it a potentially engaging choice for those keen on delving into her story.
Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of the game:
Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)
Disclosure: We thank Thames & Kosmos for providing us with samples of the game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
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