Buru (2024) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Buru is a board game released in 2024, designed by Enggar Adirasa and Dann May. It falls under the categories of Economic, Exploration, and Medieval themes. The game features mechanics such as Action Drafting, Auction/Bidding, Contracts, and End Game Bonuses, making it a strategic and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Buru

Game board

Explorer tokens with gold accents (Deluxe Edition)

Silkscreened Esteem markers in all 5 player colors

Silkscreened resource tokens

Custom four-part insert by GameTrayz

Action cards

Resource tokens

Rulebooks in English and Indonesian languages

Real wood pieces

How To Setup Buru

To set up Buru, players first lay out the game board, which represents the four regions of the island. Each player chooses their Explorer tokens and places them on the starting locations on the board. The resource tokens, Esteem markers, and action cards are then organized according to the custom GameTrayz insert. Players also receive a starting hand of action cards. The game is ready to begin once all components are placed and each player has their initial resources and cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Blind-bidding worker placement: Players secretly deploy explorers to the four regions of the island.

Engine building: Players collect resources and action cards to enhance their abilities.

Contract fulfillment: Players complete contracts to gain resources and Esteem.

Solo play mode: The game includes a mode for solo players.

Game Objective: The player with the most Esteem at the end of the five rounds is declared the new governor of Buru.

Player Experience

Buru offers a engaging and strategic gameplay experience. Players must strategically bid on different regions to gather resources, recruit islanders, and pay tribute to the presiding spirits. The game’s blind-bidding system ensures that even the lowest bidder can gain some benefits, making it less punitive. The gameplay is balanced, with each round offering different advantages, keeping the game fresh and challenging.

Pros

Easy to learn: Buru is accessible for casual players while offering depth for experienced gamers.

Beautifully illustrated: The game features rich Indonesian themes and art.

Low downtime: The game is designed for highly engaging gameplay with minimal downtime.

High replayability: The variety in each round and the dynamic nature of the game ensure multiple playthroughs remain exciting.

Cons

Component organization: The standard edition’s box design can make it difficult to organize components, though the Deluxe Edition addresses this with a custom insert.

Initial complexity: While the game mechanics are individually simple, the combination can take some time to fully grasp.

Personal Thoughts on Buru

Buru is ideal for players who enjoy Euro-style games with a mix of resource management and strategic bidding. It is a great “gateway game” for introducing friends and family to more complex tabletop games, yet it also satisfies experienced gamers with its depth and replayability. The unique historical Indonesian theme and beautiful illustrations add to its appeal, making it a standout in any board game collection.

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