Today, we’re diving headfirst into a battle of epic proportions. It’s time to decide which of Matagot’s iconic big-box “Dudes on a Map” board games is the true champion. That’s right. Today’s poll pits Kemet against Cyclades, Inis, and Yucatan. Who will come out on top? You decide!
Now, calling these games a “trilogy” or even a “quadrilogy” feels a bit strange when you consider that each has its own unique design team. Yet, they undeniably share a common DNA: a fresh twist on the area-control genre, a vibrant mythological theme, and, of course, an abundance of jaw-droppingly beautiful miniatures.
Inis: A Celtic Clash of Wits and Strategy
Let’s kick things off with the highest-rated contender on Board Game Geek: Inis, boasting an impressive 7.8 average user rating. Released in 2016 and designed by Christian Martinez, this combat-heavy board game is as much about avoiding fights as it is about preparing for them – because when battles do break out, they can be devastating.
Rooted in rich Celtic history and lore, Inis casts you as a leader vying to become the next King of the Island. This coveted title can be claimed in one of three ways: controlling a set number of regions, leading enough tribes, or overseeing key sanctuaries. No matter which path to victory you pursue, you’ll need to negotiate, intimidate, and cajole your opponents before you can don the crown and be declared the Brenn.
Setting Inis apart from other titles from other Matagot ‘Dude’s on a map’ games is its ingenious drafting mechanic. Each round, players select four action cards that dictate their moves—be it recruiting warriors, launching attacks, or manoeuvring across the map. This dynamic system ensures Inis is a deeply interactive game, where the choices of those seated around you can dramatically alter your plans.
The constant need to adapt makes Inis as much a game of wits as it is of might. Victory hinges not just on brute strength, but also on your ability to outthink, outplay, and outmanoeuvre your rivals.
Kemet: High-Octane Battles in Ancient Egypt
Before Inis introduced a calm, diplomatic approach to the “Dudes on a Map” genre, Kemet burst onto the scene with pedal-to-the-metal, high-octane action. Released in 2012 and designed by Jacques Bariot and Guillaume Montiage, Kemet transports players to ancient Egypt, where fierce battles erupt over the control of mystical spires.
In most area-control games, losing a battle can leave you limping back to rebuild your forces, but not in Kemet. Reinforcements are cheap, and teleportation mechanics mean armies can spring into action anywhere on the board.
The combat system adds even more excitement: everyone uses the same set of strength cards, turning battles into tense rock-paper-scissors standoffs with armies, where outthinking your opponent is just as important as brute force.
You can’t talk about Kemet without highlighting its shared tech tree, bursting with powerful upgrades and mythical beasts waiting to be unlocked. Each upgrade is one-of-a-kind, so once a player claims it, it’s gone for good. This creates a thrilling race to secure the tiles that will supercharge your strategy and give you the edge you need to dominate the battlefield.
With its relentless combat, constant tension, and ever-evolving strategies, Kemet offers an unforgettable gameplay experience. It’s no wonder it holds a fantastic 7.7 average rating on Board Game Geek, securing its place in the “Dudes on a Map” hall of fame.
Cyclades: Strategic Bidding in Mythic Greece
The oldest entry in this lineup, Cyclades was designed by Bruno Cathala and Ludovic Maublanc and first released in 2009. Yet, it’s also the youngest in spirit, thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign last year for a second edition, which is currently in development.
Set in ancient Greece, Cyclades challenges players to construct two metropolises to claim victory. Each metropolis can be earned by trading four philosophers, combining four buildings, or conquering an opponent’s metropolis through military might.
Complicating this quest is the game’s defining auction phase. At the start of each round, players bid for the favor of the gods, with each god granting unique actions for the round. Only the highest bidder for a god secures their favor, creating tense decisions about how much to sacrifice to execute your plans—or disrupt your opponents’.
Adding to the excitement is the roster of mythological creatures, each offering powerful special effects that can turn the tide of the game. This blend of strategic bidding, dynamic interactions, and rich thematic flavor has solidified Cyclades as a beloved title for over a decade. Even today, the original continues to shine with a strong 7.5 average user rating on Board Game Geek.
Yucatan: Dark Sacrifices and Mayan Power
The newest addition to Matagot’s “Dudes on a Map” lineup, Yucatan, comes from Guillaume Montiage, the designer behind Kemet. However, Yucatan has yet to achieve the same acclaim as its predecessor, holding a 6.7 average user rating on Board Game Geek.
Set during the height of Mayan civilization, Yucatan dives into darker territory, both visually and thematically. The game revolves around earning the favor of the gods through the grim practice of prisoner sacrifice. Using this favour you will build and lead war bands from city to city, pillaging, capturing, and sacrificing prisoners—all while fending off rival players.
Gameplay-wise Yucatan combines worker placement with area control, creating a dynamic and strategic experience. Each turn, you activate one of four buildings to perform key actions, while directing your war bands to roam the map and secure your position.
And of course, in true Matagot mythology style, one of these buildings allows gain power throughout the game and summon divine avatars of Mayan gods to aid in battle. The miniatures are nothing short of spectacular, with my personal favorite being the awe-inspiring crocodile – as an Australian, did I have any other choice?!
Out of the four games in this series, I’ve only had the chance to play Inis and Kemet – and I loved them both for entirely different reasons. So I’ve got some serious soul-searching to do before casting my vote.
But this isn’t about me – it’s about you!
Cast your vote, and let us know in the comments which of these games you’ve played (or can’t wait to play) and which one deserves the title of best Dudes on a Map game. Your pick might just sway my internal debate!
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