Rifugio (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Rifugio is a board game released in 2017 that combines elements of adventure, exploration, and travel. Designed by Marc ter Horst and Niels Pieterse, the game allows 2-5 players to embark on a journey through various landscapes and terrains in search of hidden treasures. With a runtime of 20-60 minutes and an age recommendation of 8 and up, Rifugio offers a challenging and engaging experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Rifugio

Landscape tiles

Wooden puppets with backpacks

Rifugio (mountain hut) tokens

Bear tokens (minus points)

Flower, animal, waterfall, pass, and mountaintop tokens (points)

Rivers&Rafts extension set (including water tiles and raft tokens)

Helicopter extension set (limited edition)

How To Setup Rifugio

To set up Rifugio, start by connecting the initial landscape tiles on the table. Each player chooses a wooden puppet and places it on the board. The remaining tiles are shuffled and placed face down within reach of all players. If using the Rivers&Rafts or Helicopter extension sets, these components are integrated according to their specific rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Connection: Players connect landscape tiles to the existing board.

Puppet Movement: Players move their wooden puppet across the connected tiles.

Point Collection: Players earn points by passing flowers, animals, waterfalls, passes, or mountaintops. Bears result in minus points.

Rifugio Building: Players can build mountain huts (Rifugi) on the board to earn points when other players pass by.

Rivers&Rafts Extension: Introduces water tiles and rafts, allowing for sailing and raft stealing.

Helicopter Extension: Allows players to fly between landing places.

Objective: The player with the most points, earned through tile connections, puppet movement, and Rifugio placement, wins the game.

Player Experience

Rifugio offers a blend of strategy and tactical planning. Players need to balance the placement of tiles, the movement of their puppet, and the strategic positioning of their mountain huts to maximize points. The game is enjoyable for both children and adults, with the Rivers&Rafts and Helicopter extensions adding complexity and replayability.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and up.

Replayability: Multiple expansion sets and random tile draws ensure varied gameplay.

Strategic Depth: Requires planning and tactical thinking.

Quick Gameplay: Games with two players can be completed in as little as 30 minutes.

Cons

Luck Element: Tile draws can introduce an element of luck.

Complexity with Extensions: Adding extensions can make the game more complex, especially for younger players.

Personal Thoughts on Rifugio

Rifugio is an excellent choice for families or casual game groups looking for a game that combines simple rules with strategic depth. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy tile-laying games and are looking for a game that can be played in under an hour. The extensions add a layer of complexity that will appeal to experienced gamers, while the base game remains accessible to new players.

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