Alan’s Adventureland (2016) Board Game

Alan’s Adventureland is a board game released in 2016, designed by Alayna Lemmer-Danner and published by Rio Grande Games. The game is set in the world of industry and manufacturing, where players take on the role of entrepreneurs striving to build the most successful amusement park.

Game Components of Alan’s Adventureland

Ride cards with different names and types (e.g., roller coasters, family rides, water rides)

Permission cards that allow players to build specific types of rides

Wooden tiles with stickers representing the rides

Scoreboard and bonus cards

Food and other non-ride cards (e.g., pig out, Ralph’s).

How To Setup Alan’s Adventureland

To setup the game, each player starts with two ride cards and a set of permission cards. The game area is divided into different sections of the amusement park: Animal Kingdom, Tour America, Sky World, and Foreign Lands. Players draw cards and place them out according to the permissions they have. Each player must have the matching card from their hand to place a ride, or they must pay a penalty.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card drafting: Players draft ride cards to build rides in their amusement park.

Tile placement: Players place ride tiles on their board based on the permissions they have.

Bonus system: Players can earn bonus points for covering certain color squares on the scoreboard.

Upgrade system: Rides can be upgraded for higher scoring.

Game Objective

The objective is to score the most points by building and upgrading rides, covering color squares for bonuses, and maximizing points from rows and columns on the board.

Player Experience

Playing Alan’s Adventureland is a light and easygoing experience. The game involves strategic planning but does not require deep complex strategies. Players need to manage their ride cards and permissions carefully to maximize their scores. There is some player interaction, such as playing permission cards to hinder or help other players, but it is not extensive. The game features colorful and thematic components, making the experience enjoyable and visually appealing.

Pros

Thematic and visually appealing: The game’s theme of building an amusement park is engaging and the components are well-designed.

Easy to explain and play: The game rules are straightforward, making it accessible to new players.

Colorful scoreboard system: The bonus system adds an extra layer of strategy and fun.

Light and family-friendly: Suitable for a casual game night.

Cons

Limited player interaction: The game does not have a lot of direct interaction between players.

Not very deep: The gameplay mechanics, while enjoyable, are not complex or challenging for experienced players.

Components could be better: Some elements, like the permissions system, could be more refined.

Personal Thoughts on Alan’s Adventureland

Alan’s Adventureland is a great game for families or casual gamers who enjoy light, thematic games. It is ideal for those who appreciate tile placement and card drafting mechanics without the need for complex strategies. However, it may not satisfy experienced gamers looking for deeper gameplay or more intense player interaction. The game’s theme and components make it a pleasant addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy building and managing their own amusement park.

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