All good things must come to an end, and that is the case with this review of Ksar.
No, it is not the final review, but it is the final game we have from designer Philippe Proux and publisher Ludarden.
Our group has been having a lot of fun delving into Proux’s works, all of which fall generally into the realm of quick to learn and play abstract strategy games.
That is not to say all Proux’s efforts are two-player games, but he does abstain from making players roll dice, or draw cards, although fishing pieces out of a bag does occur in one of his games.
Ksar though is a two-player game that is all about area control.
Like all games from Ludarden the game is all wood, and in this case that means nice chunky pieces of wood that remind a bit of playing with blocks as a kid, which is actually a good thing.
The game includes 24 coloured pieces (12 of each colour) and 6 uncoloured pieces and four borders to make the frame for the game. The frame simply defines the play area.
Each player takes the pieces of one colour and three uncoloured pieces.
The aim of the game is to connect the longest series of pieces of your colour, with the uncoloured pieces counting as either colour – think of them as wild.
The players take turns to place one of their pieces in the frame. It can be placed flat, on its side or vertically. Each piece placed must be against another piece and / or an edge and must not be placed against a piece of the same height. Yes that is the extent on the rules with this fun little filler game.
The game ends when one of the players can’t play another piece.
The players count their longest series of pieces, including uncoloured ones. They must deduct one point for any unplayed uncoloured pieces. This is a neat rule because it does give you an incentive to use the ‘wild’ pieces even though they may help your opponent.
The winner is the one with the highest score.
Another solid, fun, aesthetically pleasing game that is welcome on the table anytime from Ludarden
Check it out at www.ludarden.com
Thanks to fellow gamer Adam Daniels for his help in running through this game for review.
