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Heart of Darkness: An Adventure Game of African Exploration (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Heart of Darkness: An Adventure Game of African Exploration is a board game that takes players on a journey through the African continent in the 19th century. Designed by Kim Kanger and published in 2021, the game is set during the post-Napoleonic era and focuses on exploration, resource management, and strategic decision-making.

Game Components of Heart of Darkness: An Adventure Game of African Exploration

  • Map of Africa with various regions and terrain
  • Expedition Sheet for tracking Askaris, Porters, Food, Gifts, Ammo, Health, and Sanity
  • Two types of dice: six-sided (d6) and ten-sided (d10)
  • Drama Track and Drama Point Chart
  • Event Chits for discoveries and encounters
  • Markers for Askaris, Porters, Time, Discontent, and Horror
  • River Chart and Matrix for navigation and encounters.

    How To Setup Heart of Darkness: An Adventure Game of African Exploration

    To set up the game, players start by laying out the map and selecting their Expedition Sheet. They then choose the color of their expedition and gather the corresponding markers. The Askari Marker is set to 6, the Porter Marker to 8, and the Discontent Marker to 1. Players place their Explorer Marker in the “Start here” slot on the Matrix. Each player chooses a Port of Entry and a Patron, and the game begins with the placement of Event Chits in the Matrix according to the Discovery Procedure.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Mechanics:**
    – Dice Rolling (using d6 and d10)
    – Resource Management (Askaris, Porters, Food, Gifts, Ammo)
    – Exploration (using the Matrix to encounter events)
    – Drama Points (earned for various achievements and experiences)
    – Turn Track (determining player order based on Drama Points)

  • Game Objective:**
    – Navigate through African regions, manage resources, and deal with events while aiming to complete the expedition successfully. The goal includes reaching the source of the Nile or other significant destinations while managing the well-being and morale of the expedition members.

    Player Experience

    Players immerse themselves in the challenges of 19th-century African exploration, facing ethnic groups, slavers, and various environmental hazards. The game requires strategic resource management, careful planning, and adaptation to random events. The use of Drama Points adds a narrative layer, encouraging players to document their journey, which can influence their turn order and overall success.

    Pros

  • Immersive Theme:** Offers a deep dive into historical African exploration.
  • Complex Gameplay:** Combines resource management, exploration, and event handling.
  • High Replayability:** Random Event Chits ensure different experiences each game.
  • Strategic Depth:** Players must balance resources, morale, and health.

    Cons

  • Steep Learning Curve:** Complex rules and setup can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Lengthy Setup:** Preparing the game can take some time.
  • Limited Player Interaction:** Players primarily manage their own expedition, with limited direct interaction.

    Personal Thoughts on Heart of Darkness: An Adventure Game of African Exploration

    This game is ideal for fans of historical adventure and complex strategy. It suits players who enjoy resource management, exploration, and narrative-driven gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking fast-paced or highly interactive games, as it requires a significant investment of time and effort to set up and play. The game’s thematic depth and replayability make it a compelling choice for those willing to dive into its intricacies.

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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

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