mexica is the third game of the so-called “Das Máscaras” trilogy, the other two are Tikal (1999) and Java (2000). mexica is a worker allocation, block and majority game with simple and subtle rules. The three games are somewhat different, but based on the same action points mechanism.

The first edition, made by Ravensburger and Rio Grande Games, dates from 2002. The game was not distributed in Brazil, it is only possible to buy it exclusively through importation.

Why Mexico?
Because Mexica is part of a well-known trilogy of board games by a pair of essential German authors. And we love all three games in the trilogy!

So, why start with Mexica?

• the game was never distributed in Brazil… and we have to fill in the gaps in life.
• is the most unknown of the trilogy and he clearly doesn't deserve it. We must give Caesar what belongs to Michael & Wolfgang.
• is the hardest to find… to put an end to the frustration generated by the difficulty of finding this excellent game (which is against frustration and violence as well).
• it has the largest audience of the 3 games in the trilogy… which allows us to reach a greater number of people for a first game.
• is the one that has the greatest potential on the material side… and we want to start with a really good game!

Summary

In 1325, in order to fulfill an ancient prophecy, the Aztecs (or the Mexicas) decide to build Tenochtitlan, the capital of their empire. You are a “Pilli Mexica”, an Aztec noble in charge of participating in the construction of the city.

Use your action points wisely to build districts, dig shipping channels, build bridges… and to thwart your opponents' plans! Build temples to increase your prestige and become the Emperor's favorite!

the mechanics

It is based on an action point system. Each player has 6 action points per turn, which they can use to perform different actions: move their “Pilli Mexica”, place channel pieces, build temples, build bridges…

Strategy and tactics
The game is based on the convenience of the player's choices, but the fact that the player is limited in his actions and, therefore, cannot do what he wants or where he wants, creates the need to have a planned strategy to be carried out in several rounds. .

interactivity
It's a majority game! It is possible to block other players to slow down their movements and modify unfounded districts… Prepare for tension around the table!

Management
The game takes place in 2 periods with a limited number of value temples to be allocated. Be careful not to build temples without caring about the place or the moment!

Luck?
W. Kramer responded to this question: “There is also luck in Mexica (There is also luck in Mexica)”. We, however, do not agree! Unlike Tikal where luck is found in the removal of tiles and treasures, there is nothing left to chance in Mexica.

So what has changed?
No 3 to 4 player versions! The mechanics are fluid and simple. In the 2-player, we added a variant proposed by one of the players of the boardgamegeek and validated by W. Kramer. It allows to increase the interaction in a match to 2.

The theme

Mexica is part of a trilogy, but the publication came out a little different from the original idea, as W. Kramer explained:

"The initial idea was to make a trilogy with the Mayans, the Incas and the Aztecs (“les mexicas”). But the editor Ravensburger wanted Java (instead of the Incas). I, however, think the trilogy with the three most famous cultures would have been preferable”.

After that, there was no doubt about changing the theme of the game. The game mechanics serve the theme well, as explained throughout all the rules.

The Rulebook

The manual has been completely reworked to make the rules both clear and complete. Several examples are given to facilitate understanding. An explanation of the rules intertwined with the theme of the game was made. On the last page of the manual, there is an explanation of how to do a quick setup and a reminder of the important points of the rule.

the temples

They are the heart of the game. Temples are manipulated throughout the match.

There are 72 temples in the game, 18 for each player. The temples were made of plastic in the first version of Mexica, and although they were already surprising pieces, playing with plastic temples made it more difficult to immerse yourself in the game's theme. As for wood, as it is a very light material, we imagine that when a temple made of this material is placed on the board, we would not have much stability. This led us to try resin, a material that would make the pieces look like stone, made in 4 colors that are sufficiently distinct from each other to not interfere with the gameplay, without leaving the verisimilitude aside.

So we have temples with the following colors: sand, terracotta, black and light grey.

The 72 temples weigh almost 1 kg!

the bridges

Bridges are built over the channels in order to optimize movements. They can be destroyed during the game and rebuilt elsewhere. Based on this, we designed the bridge parts in 3D and in wood.

For the color, naturally, we opted for brown.

The Channels

These are navigation channels to be installed on the island, to form the districts.

The choice of material for the channel tiles was limited, so we initially replicated the tiles illustrated by Christophe Swal. Note the small ships drawn in the new tiles that are not part of the original version.

The pawns representing the “Pilli Mexica” have also been completely remodeled!

the board

It is not fundamentally different from the original version, even being the same size. But it has been remodeled in a certain way with a special attention to detail.

Translated and adapted by 
Nayana Dessupoio de Abreu
Link to the original article:
http://www.supermeeple.com/nos-jeux/mexica-fiche-jeu/