Through the Desert Review

boardgamequest.com:

We review Through the Desert, a classic area control game from Dr. Renier Knicia. Published by Allplay, Brandon discusses this game and the new expansion.

When I see desert my mind immediately shifts to the classic cinematic cut from the film Lawrence of Arabia. A lit match is blown out in one instance, and in the next, we’re transported to the sprawl of shifting sands and shimmering sun. I’m also reminded of the answer that the titular character gives when asked why they are personally attracted to the desert. The answer given may sum up the entire review that is to follow: “It’s clean.”

The 1998 classic from Dr. Reiner Knizia is back with a new edition from publisher Allplay. Through the Desert is widely considered a high-tier offering from the good doctor and is also a part of his tile-laying trilogy which includes Tigris & Euphrates and Samurai. Was an update necessary? Do the new inclusions take away from what was originally a streamlined and “clean” design? Let’s strike the match and get ready to exhale.

How does one survive the granular sands of Through the Desert? By earning points through their caravans. Each player begins with leaders who sit atop one of the five different camel colors that represent the starting point of their caravans. As play wraps around the table, each player adds camels to the board to reach watering holes, visit oases, and expand their reach.

Let’s take this one step at a time. First, the board is set up by adding watering hole tiles and five oasis miniatures randomly to their corresponding spaces on the board. Watering hole tiles have point values ranging from one to three. Players then take turns placing their leaders on the board. Caravan leaders cannot be placed next to each other or next to an oasis.

There is no round structure. Play continues clockwise as each player may take two camels from any of the five different color options to add to their existing caravan. After initial placement, players are free to choose which of