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Lost Valley
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Luckily, the trading post sells equipment that can solve many of the problems the adventurers inevitably run into. For example a boat allows a player to move along three edges of the river instead of the usual two, and the river can be crossed at any point. Or the cart, that allows the owner to take along some extra luggage because the amount of space in the backpack is rather limited, or a horse that allows movement along two edges over land instead of one, an axe that permits collecting two timber in one turn, a fishing rod that allows fishing in the river even if there is no fish symbol present, and much more fairly reasonably priced, indispensable gear.

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And don’t forget the whisky! Drinking a bottle of whisky gives the player extraordinary powers, and a second action or movement may be performed. This can be just enough to grab the last gold marker before somebody else does!
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The game ends either when one of the players reports back at the trading post with ten gold markers in their backpack, or when winter has started and the cold makes it impossible for the prospectors to continue their efforts. This happens when an ice block, which is brought into the game when all land tiles are placed, has reached the trading post. In both cases, the nuggets displayed on the gold markers of all players are counted, and the richest player wins!



There is much to explore in Lost Valley; not only the valley itself, but also the components of the game. There are so many useful goods for sale at the trading post that it will take a number of games until you’ve had the time to try them all out and discover their value. To be able to react to the events occurring elsewhere on the board, it’s very convenient to be able to travel longer distances in one turn using a boat or a horse. Although the cart also comes in very handy because it allows you to take more luggage. Or an axe, or a fishing rod, or… but the number of special items that you can carry is also limited, so difficult choices have to be made!
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How a game develops can vary; it’s possible to exhaust each land tile before discovering new land. This way, it can happen that the game ends when only a small part of the valley has been explored. Another option is to explore a large part of the valley, and then choose a convenient site to mine the gold required for victory. Of course you are not alone in the valley: the competition needs to be reckoned with! It is very frustrating when you build a mine at high costs that is subsequently used by your fellow-prospectors to mine all the gold so there is nothing left for you when it’s your turn again. The opposite is of course a very healthy development, if you are able to use the works that others built for your own good without investing anything yourself.
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Lost Valley is a very rich and attractive game that takes one to one and a half hours depending on the number of players. Although the box states the game is for 3-4 players, it can be played with two as well.
© 2004 Barbara Lussenburg

Lost Valley, Roland & Tobias Goslar, Kronberger Spiele, 2004 - 3 to 4 players



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