Nefertiti

Bid for treasures from across Egypt to rescue the Pharaoh's forgotten anniversary and impress Nefertiti.

Designers: Jacques Bariot, Thomas Cauët, Guillaume Montiage
Published by: Matagot
Editions by: Rio Grande Games, Heidelberger Spieleverlag

Pharaoh Akhenaton has forgotten his wedding anniversary, and with only two days to go he needs a mountain of gifts for the lovely Nefertiti. That is where you come in as a royal councilor sent to the four corners of Egypt, from Giza to Abu Simbel, to gather the most impressive objects the realm has to offer. You bid for items, collect matching sets and try to please the queen more than the other councilors do. Do it well and the Pharaoh will reward you generously. A 2008 auction game for three or four players, about forty-five minutes, with a theme that is mostly wit and a sense of humor about divine husbands.

Gifts gathered from Giza to Abu SimbelBidding for objects, collecting setsPharaoh's anniversary as a ticking clock

Who it's for

You like auctions and set collection with a tongue-in-cheek Egyptian story, and you have three or four players.

Not for you if…

You want a two-player game or something with strong interaction beyond bidding.

Vibe's take

Tense in a gentle way: lots of bidding, bluffing and peeking at what rivals are saving up for. Wit rides on top of a proper auction game.