- Publisher : Iello
- Designer(s) : Eric M. Lang, Phil Walker-Harding
- Artist(s) : Christopher Lee (III)
- Players : 2–4
- Playing time : 30 - 45 Min
- Weight BGG : 1.64
What's this?
Wrath of Fire Mountain is a family board game for 2 to 4 players, published by Iello, in which each player embodies a prehistoric tribe seeking to dominate a primitive territory in flux before the active volcano erupts.
The core of the game is based on dice rolls to perform actions, gain majorities in terrain areas, control the volcano and take advantage of special abilities , all within a colorful and strategic prehistoric setting.
How do you play?
Each game turn comprises several main phases, simple to follow but rich in decisions:
1. Roll the dice
At the start of your turn, you roll the dice to obtain combinations of symbols. Each symbol allows you to perform a different action.
2. Solve the dice results
- For each volcano symbol , place a member of your tribe on the volcano tile.
- For each egg , place a member in a hatching zone.
- For each cave or hut , place a token on the corresponding tile of the 4×4 grid.
- For each foot symbol , move one of your characters one square, possibly crossing the water (but without stopping) and avoiding the volcano as an impassable zone.
3. Hatching Dinosaurs
If you have enough characters in a hatching zone, you can take a dinosaur and add it to your reserve. Dinosaurs have special powers (extra dice, occupying water, teleporting, etc.) that enrich your strategic options.
4. Conquering the volcano
If you control enough characters on the volcano tile, you can trigger a landslide , pushing a line or column of tiles, which changes the board and disrupts the strategy of your opponents.
5. Volcanic eruption
When all the volcano spaces are occupied, the volcano erupts: points are tallied for each zone (jungle, grass, water), then the used pieces are returned to the reserves. If a player reaches the required point threshold, the game ends and the player with the most points wins.
Is it good?
Wrath of Fire Mountain is an accessible family game that combines dice, placement, majorities, and board evolution.
The mechanics are quite simple to understand, making it ideal for playing with children from 10 years old, although the game requires some thought, especially to manage majorities, the volcano and the purchase of cards with varied powers.
The game’s originality lies in its shifting game board, reminiscent of the game Labyrinth , which makes matches both fast-paced and sometimes chaotic. Added to this are the dice rolls, with their element of chance, and the dinosaurs with powerful abilities, capable of completely disrupting strategies. Rounds and games can also end quickly, making it difficult to develop a strategy or make the most of your dinosaurs.
Wrath of Fire Mountain remains a family game worth trying if you’re looking for an unusual tile-moving mechanic and frequent plot twists. However, the game may seem too simple and chaotic for experienced players, while still being a bit complex for younger children at times.
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Wrath of Fire Mountain Review
Positives
- Simple and accessible mechanics
- An original moving game board that adds dynamism to each game
- Strong interaction thanks to the majority
- The varied powers of dinosaurs
Negatives
- Chaotic and short rounds, which can limit long-term strategic planning
- Too easy for experienced players
- Randomness from dice rolls and some dinosaur powers that are too powerful
