Box cover of "Cartagena" board game by Leo Colovini, depicting illustrated pirates fleeing toward a rowboat on a beach, with tropical vegetation in the background and a sailing ship on the horizon. The logo and branding are prominently displayed at the top, and there is German text at the bottom indicating the game is for ages 8 and up and offers exciting escape gameplay. The Ravensburger logo is in the bottom right corner.
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Cartagena (2017)

ByMichail

Cartagena

Cartagena is a German-style board game that was released in 2000. The game takes as its theme the 1672 pirate-led jailbreak from the fortress of Cartagena. Each player has a group of six pirates, and the objective is to have all six escape through the tortuous underground passage that connects the fortress to the port, where a sloop is waiting for them. The game was designed by Leo Colovini and published by Winning Moves Games.

Why is Cartagena Popular?

Cartagena is popular because of its simple concept and strategic gameplay. It is fast and easy to play, yet has some interesting decisions and tactics to employ. The game is popular with both gamers and family and friends. The theme is appealing, and the hand management required is not overly taxing, making it easily accessible for just about anyone.

Game Components of Cartagena

  • Game Board: Comprised of six double-sided sections, each with a different permutation of six pictures: pistol, keys, jug, grappling hook, lantern, and telescope.
  • Cards: A deck of 102 cards, with 17 cards for each of the six pictures.
  • Pirates: Six wooden pirate meeples per player, available in brown, red, yellow, green, and blue.
  • Additional Variants: Includes the classic base game, Cartagena 2: The Pirate’s Nest, and new variants such as the Morgan version and the Black Magic Woman version.

    How To Setup Cartagena

    To set up Cartagena, players first assemble the game board using the six double-sided sections. Each section has a different arrangement of the six symbols, allowing for a unique board setup each time. Players are dealt six cards and place their six pirate meeples on the jail space. Setup time is approximately 5 minutes.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: The first player to move all six of their pirates from the Cartagena prison to the escape sloop wins the game.
  • Turn Structure: Players can make one to three moves per turn. Moves involve either moving a pirate forward by playing a matching card or moving a pirate backward to draw new cards.
  • Moving Forward: A player plays a card and moves a pirate to the next unoccupied square with the same symbol as the card. If no unoccupied space is available, the pirate moves directly to the sloop.
  • Moving Backward: A player moves a pirate back to the closest square with one or two pirates and draws one or two cards accordingly.
  • Variants: Includes different game modes like Jamaica (hidden deck) and Tortuga (visible deck), as well as new variants such as the Morgan version and the Whole Jailbreak scenario.

    Player Experience

    Cartagena offers a blend of strategy and luck, making it appealing to both casual and experienced gamers. The game’s simple concept belies a depth of strategy, particularly in managing card draws and pirate movements. The modular board and multiple variants ensure high replayability, allowing players to find the version that suits their preferences best.

    Pros

  • High Replayability: Different board setups and multiple game variants ensure a unique experience each time.
  • Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but requires strategic thinking, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 13 and above, making it a great family game.
  • Quick Games: Typical playtime is 30-60 minutes, depending on the version being played.

    Cons

  • Additional Complexity in Some Variants: The Black Magic Woman variant can add unnecessary complexity and downtime to the game.
  • Art and Miniature Quality: Some players may find the art and miniature quality in the 2017 version to be less appealing compared to previous editions.

    Personal Thoughts on Cartagena

    Cartagena is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a light, strategic game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. It is particularly suited for families and casual gamers who enjoy games with a mix of luck and strategy. The various game modes and high replayability make it a great addition to any board game collection. However, players who prefer very complex or deeply thematic games might find Cartagena too light, but for most, it will be a delightful and engaging experience.

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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