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by Michael Schacht
art Michael Schacht
publish uberplay/Amigo
players: 2-4
duration: 30-45 mins.
type: set collection / route-planning / APts
PACE: Medium. Players are intentionally trying to maximize their options and minimize the options of the next player. Experience tends to speed the game up.
LUCK: Low. The only luck is when a player restocks. A fortuitous restock that gives him the exact colors he needs will help a ton. This game, though simple, has quite a bit of tough tactical decisions to be made.
TENSION: High. Trying to figure out how to make your holdings really count by using goods to establish markers or sell for points makes this game a great one for tension..
VICIOUS: Medium. Turning in a set of a color results in all other players losing a chip of that color (we call it "icing" a color) is a key part of the game. Market position tends to be fierce in certain cities as well.
SOCIAL: Low. You have to really focus on the game to do well.
VISUALS: Very Good. Michael Schacht is a talented artist, and the tones he uses for the board are well chosen, I think, and the chips stand out well against the board. Minor complaint is that white gray and yellow can look too much alike in low lighting.
THEME: Medium. For a German games, this is quite good. Sailing the ship, using goods to establish market position, trying to decide when and where to sell make for a very engaging theme of Hanseatic trading.
GAMER APPEAL: Yes. It has a bit of luck, but nice tactics and a good dose of thinking.
NON-GAMER APPEAL: Maybe. It's a simple game, but it is not a light game.
2 PLAYERS: Excellent. The endgame isn't quite as exciting as in a 3 player game, but the control is high leading to a lot of strategy.
REPLAY: Very good.
I've played 10+ times.
Good with 2-3 players.
Best with 2-3 players.
by Michael Schacht
Michael Schacht