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2019: The ARCTIC (2011) Board Game

ByMichail

2019: The ARCTIC is a board game released in 2011 that takes place in a futuristic world where players compete to build colonies in the Arctic region. Designed by Radosław Jaszczuk and Sandra Kochanowska, the game combines elements of economic strategy, exploration, and negotiation.

Game Components of 2019: The ARCTIC

  • Game board featuring the Arctic region with various countries’ coastal areas and sea zones
  • Country displays for Russia, USA, Canada, EU, and Norway
  • Independent mining corporation tokens (black, dark brown, light brown, and white)
  • China’s influence tokens
  • Ships and mining platforms
  • Resource cubes (representing oil and other resources)
  • Treasury and voting tokens
  • Worker placement pieces

    How To Setup 2019: The ARCTIC

    To set up the game, each country starts with its respective coastal areas marked on the board. Players choose their mining corporation tokens and place their initial ships and mining platforms according to the starting rules. The treasury and voting tokens are distributed among the countries based on their initial influence. China’s influence tokens are also placed on the board, ready to cause disruptions.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Area Control:** Players build oil rigs and mining platforms in different areas to gain resources.
  • Worker Placement:** Players place their tokens to influence countries and secure resources.
  • Voting:** Countries vote on control zones, affecting which areas can be mined.
  • Resource Management:** Players collect and trade resource cubes to earn points.
  • Combat:** Ships can destroy mining platforms, and wars can break out between countries.
  • China’s Influence:** China can disrupt the game by moving its ships and potentially ending the game if it reaches the North Pole.
  • Objective:** The goal is to accumulate the most points by collecting and trading resource cubes, and by having the most of each type of cube at the end of the game.

    Player Experience

    Playing **2019: The ARCTIC** involves intricate strategy and diplomacy. Players must navigate the complex web of country influences, resource management, and voting mechanisms. The game requires a balance between short-term gains and long-term strategies, as players need to manipulate countries to achieve their goals without getting caught in conflicts or-China’s disruptions.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** The game offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.
  • Thematic Flavor:** The game’s theme of Arctic mining is well-integrated with the mechanics.
  • Dynamic Scenarios:** Voting and combat mechanics create a dynamic and unpredictable environment.

    Cons

  • Color Issues:** The color scheme of the tokens can be confusing.
  • Looping Actions:** Some phases of the game can feel repetitive.
  • Steep Learning Curve:** While the rules are not overly complex, mastering the game requires significant practice.

    Personal Thoughts on 2019: The ARCTIC

    **2019: The ARCTIC** is for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy deep strategic games with a strong thematic element. It is ideal for those who appreciate complex mechanics and are willing to invest time in understanding the intricacies of the game. However, it may not be the best choice for new players or those looking for

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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