Across Africa (2015) Board Game

Across Africa is a board game designed by Wiktor Piskorek and Arkadiusz Piskorek, and published by G3 in in 2015. The game is set in Africa and aims to educate players about the continent’s diverse wildlife and geography while providing an entertaining gaming experience.

Game Components of Across Africa

Game board featuring a map of Africa

Player markers

Dice

Photo cards (three types: excellent, warm, and ugly)

Adventure cards

Crocodile photo album

Diamond tokens

How To Setup Across Africa

To set up the game, players place their markers on the starting point on the board. Each player receives a set of dice and the photo cards, adventure cards, and diamond tokens are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The crocodile photo album is set up to track the players’ progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice to determine how many spaces they can move.

Movement: Players move their markers based on the dice roll.

Action Point Allowance System: Players perform actions such as taking photos, encountering adventures, or navigating through the jungle.

Game Objective: The goal is to complete the crocodile photo album by collecting and placing photo cards worth the most points. The game also involves finding five diamonds to win.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective (Detailed List)

Take Photos: Players take photo cards of animals, each worth different points.

Encounter Adventures: Players draw adventure cards that describe various African landmarks or events.

Navigate the Jungle: Players may need to move back on the board based on certain jungle actions.

Avoid Obstacles: Players encounter obstacles like muddy roads or poisonous snakes, which can hinder their progress.

Collect Diamonds: Players aim to collect five diamonds to complete the game.

Player Experience

Across Africa is designed for young players, aiming to introduce them to cooperative gameplay and the thrill of exploring Africa. The game is easy to learn, yet engaging enough to keep children entertained. The cooperative nature encourages teamwork and mutual support among players.

Pros

Family-friendly: Suitable for young children, promoting teamwork and exploration.

Educational: Introduces players to various African landmarks and wildlife.

Simple Mechanics: Easy to learn and play, making it accessible to new players.

Cooperative: Encourages players to work together to achieve the goal.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game may be too simple for older or more experienced players.

Luck-based: Dice rolls can significantly influence player movement and actions.

Short Playtime: Games are generally short, which may not be satisfying for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Across Africa

Across Africa is ideal for families with young children who are just starting to explore board games. It offers a gentle introduction to cooperative gameplay and basic mechanics, while also providing an educational aspect by showcasing African landmarks and wildlife. However, it may not appeal to experienced gamers looking for more complex and strategic gameplay.

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