The Dutch East Indies (2017) Board Game

The Dutch East Indies, also known as the Netherlands East Indies, was a Dutch colony in Southeast Asia that was established in the 17th century. It was an important trading hub for the Dutch East India Company, which was one of the most powerful and influential trading companies of that time. The colony played a significant role in the spice trade and was known for its wealth and resources.

Game Components of The Dutch East Indies

Player Boards: Each player has a board for tracking progress and resources.

Ships: Resin ships (in the deluxe version) or cardboard ships (in the retail version), including small and large ships for each nation and a pirate ship.

Coins: Metal coins replicating VOC coinage, with one gold coin equal to three copper coins.

Trade Cards: Cards representing spices, crates, and other resources.

Modular Board: A grid-based board that changes with each playthrough.

Event Cards: Included in the expansion “Adventures on the High Seas” to add unpredictability.

Crew Cards: Local helpers that can be hired for tasks.

Settlements and Forts: Components for building and defending settlements and forts in the expansion.

Reefs and Treasures: Modules in the expansion to introduce new challenges and rewards.

How To Setup The Dutch East Indies

To set up the game, players first construct the modular board by arranging the various island and sea tiles. Each player chooses a nation and places their ships on the starting port. The trade cards are shuffled and distributed across the islands. Players receive their player boards and initial resources. The game is ready to start once all components are in place and the rules have been briefly explained.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Grid Movement: Players move their ships across the grid-based board.

Modular Board: The board changes with each playthrough, offering different island configurations.

Pick-up and Deliver: Players collect spices and other resources from islands and deliver them to their home port.

Set Collection: Gathering specific sets of spices is key to winning.

Trading: Players can trade resources with other players or the game environment.

Game Objective: The goal is to be the first player to collect a specific set of spices and return them to their home port.

Player Experience

The Dutch East Indies is a race to collect and deliver spices while navigating the challenges of the high seas. Players must manage their ships’ stats, which can be upgraded or downgraded based on battles and trading. The game is immersive, with artwork that depicts the ocean and its dangers. However, some players have noted that without the expansion, the game can become repetitive and lack variation. The “Adventures on the High Seas” expansion introduces new mechanics like forts, events, and treasures, which enhance the game’s replay value.

Pros

Immersive Theme: The game’s maritime theme is well-executed, making the gameplay feel authentic.

Simple yet Strategic: The rules are concise, but the game requires strategic thinking.

Modular Board: Ensures each game is unique.

Expansion Options: The “Adventures on the High Seas” expansion adds significant variety and depth to the game.

Cons

Repetitive Without Expansion: The base game can become dull after multiple playthroughs.

Limited Ship Upgrade Value: Upgrading ships beyond a certain point can be unnecessary.

Coin Management: Coins can run out quickly, especially in games with higher player counts.

Personal Thoughts on The Dutch East Indies

The Dutch East Indies is ideal for players who enjoy exploration and nautical themes, particularly those who appreciate a balance between simplicity and strategy. While the base game may lack variation, the expansion significantly enhances the gameplay experience. It is a good choice for families or casual gamers looking for a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. However, for experienced gamers seeking high complexity, this might not be the best fit.

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