Karuba

Karuba is a tile-laying race game that's become a favorite in our household. We were looking for a game that was engaging, different from our usual fare, and didn't rely solely on chance. Karuba delivers on all fronts.

The game is beautifully produced with gorgeous board art and sturdy pieces. The tiles are cardboard, but the pawns and gems are high quality, adding to the overall appeal. The game's simple layout makes it easy to set up, but we did find the instructions a bit confusing initially. Thankfully, there are plenty of helpful videos on YouTube that made the rules clear.

The gameplay is fast-paced and involves some strategic planning. Players race to get their explorers to temples first by placing tiles and moving their explorers along the paths they create. It's a puzzle-like experience where you're constantly thinking about the best route and how to outmaneuver your opponents.

What I really love about Karuba is the lack of direct player interaction. While you're all competing to reach the temples first, there's no direct conflict or blocking of each other's paths. This makes it a great game for families with younger children or those who prefer less competitive games.

The game also has a good amount of replayability thanks to the randomized tile draws. Each game feels fresh and different, and there's always a challenge in trying to create the most efficient path and secure the most valuable treasures.

Overall, Karuba is a highly enjoyable game that we highly recommend. It's fun, engaging, and provides a great experience for players of all ages. The only drawback is the time it takes to organize the tiles at the start of each game, but that's a minor inconvenience compared to the overall enjoyment.