Wouter & Ymke 
In 2015, a devastating earthquake struck the Kathmandu Valley, leaving many areas of the city in ruins, and the impact of the disaster was felt around the world. Inspired by the resilience of the people affected by the earthquake, Lemery Games created Reviving Kathmandu, a game in which players help rebuild the city after the tragedy.
2-6 players, ages 8+
Playing time: 20-40 minutes
Designers: Krisztina Felmery & Tamas Leidal
Artwork & Graphic Design: Livia Varga & Noppa Design Studio
Publisher: Lemery Games
https://lemerygames.com/
In Reviving Kathmandu, players take on the role of builders who are competing to become the most respected architect in Kathmandu. The game is played over eight rounds, with each round consisting of three phases: Bid, Collect, and Build.
During the Bid phase, players place one of their five coins face-down on a bid spot on the playmat. During the Collect phase, players reveal their coins and determine who won each card. Players then collect two cards from the Market or draw blindly from the red deck if they didn’t win the bid.
During the Build phase, players use their collected cards to build monuments, scoring points for each completed monument, for special objectives achieved, and for paying attention to color. The game has four types of monuments: Buddhas, Shrines, Stupas, and Pagodas, each requiring a different number of cards to complete, with each card coming in one of five colors. There are also wild cards that can be used as any color.
Players build monuments by sliding cards under a previous card to reveal the section that continues the monument. Each monument is made up of a different number of cards and must be completed in a specific sequence.
After each player has finished the Build phase, they check how many cards they have. If they have more than three cards in their hand, they must discard down to three cards. After every four rounds, each player will only have one coin left. When this happens, players may either convert their coin to points or collect one discarded card from any player and immediately add that card to one of their monuments. When players only have one coin left for the second time, it triggers the end of the game. The player with the most points from completed monuments, special objectives, and color bonuses wins the game and becomes the most respected architect in Kathmandu.
Reviving Kathmandu, the second game in Lemery Games’ Globetrotter Game Series, combines beautiful components with engaging gameplay. Designed for 2-6 players, this accessible game can be played in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for both seasoned gamers and those new to the hobby.
One of the most impressive features of Reviving Kathmandu is the quality of the components. The metal first player marker, wooden betting coins, and dual-layered boards are all of exceptional quality and add a touch of luxury to the game. The dual-layered boards are not only visually stunning but also make gameplay smooth and easy to follow.
The game’s box comes with a magnetic lid that ensures the components stay safe and secure during transport, adding to the overall high-quality feel of the game. It’s worth noting that the impressive quality of the components in Reviving Kathmandu is even more impressive considering that this isn’t the final version of the game. Despite this, the game already looks magnificent, promising even more exciting things to come in the final version.
In terms of gameplay, Reviving Kathmandu features bidding and set collection mechanics that add a layer of complexity to the game. Players must carefully weigh their options before making bids, as missing out on even one card can make the difference between success and failure. With its eight rounds and five betting coins that each only can be used twice during the game, players must make strategic decisions that keep them on their toes and engaged throughout the game.
One possible downside is that the game may lack complexity for more experienced gamers. However, the game’s accessibility and engaging mechanics make it a great option for introducing new players to the world of strategy games.
Reviving Kathmandu is in our opinion a game that strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and depth, making it an enjoyable experience for all levels of players. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the hobby, the game’s beautiful components and engaging gameplay make it a must-have addition to any board game collection.
I highly recommend checking out Reviving Kathmandu on Kickstarter, you can find the campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lemerygames/reviving-kathmandu
