Pier 18 (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pier 18 is a board game released in 2021, designed by Rory Muldoon and illustrated by Alley Cat Games. It falls under the category of Territory Building games and utilizes game mechanics such as Open Drafting, Pattern Building, Set Collection, and Tile Placement. The game is aimed at 2-3 players, with a recommended age of 10 and above.

Game Components of Pier 18

Cards: The game consists of 18 cards, each representing different sections of the pier.

Patron Cards: These cards serve as goals for bonus points at the end of the game.

Symbol Cards: Each card has symbols such as lovers, fishermen, poets, and flower shop owners, which are crucial for scoring.

How To Setup Pier 18

To set up Pier 18, each player draws three cards and chooses two: one to serve as the foundation of their pier and another as a goal card for bonus points. The third card is shuffled back into the deck. This initial selection helps players establish their starting pier and end-game objectives.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft one card per turn from the available pool and add it to their pier.

Pattern Building: Cards must be placed in a way that overlaps the previous card without covering it completely.

Set Collection: Players aim to collect sets of symbols (lovers, fishermen, poets, flower shops) to score points.

Tile Placement: Each card can only be added to the end of the pier, requiring strategic placement.

Objective: The goal is to score the most victory points by catering to the different patrons and achieving the bonus points from the goal card.

Player Experience

Playing Pier 18 is a quick and engaging experience, ideal for those looking for a brief yet strategic game. Players need to balance short-term and long-term strategies to maximize their score. The game requires remembering the scoring patterns for each type of patron, which can be a bit challenging but adds to the game’s depth.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games last only 10-20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick session.

Strategic Depth: Despite its short length, the game offers a good level of strategic complexity.

Easy to Learn: The basic mechanics are simple, but the game has enough depth for repeated play.

Cute Artwork: The cards have good quality and cute, though plain, artwork.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for only 2-3 players.

Memory Challenge: Players need to remember the scoring patterns for each patron, which can be a bit tricky.

Repetitive: Some players might find the game too simple or repetitive after several plays.

Personal Thoughts on Pier 18

Pier 18 is a nice, quick little game that’s perfect for casual gamers or those new to board games. It’s an excellent choice for filling a short gap between other activities or as an introduction to more complex games. However, it may not be the favorite of experienced gamers looking for deeper, more complex experiences. It’s a great option for families or friends seeking a light, fun game that doesn’t overwhelm.

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