Amerigo (2008) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Amerigo is a board game released in 2008 by DV Games. It is designed by Din Li Tsan and features artwork by Roberta Barletta and Alberto Bontempi. The game falls under the categories of card game and exploration, with a unique mechanism that sets it apart from other games in the genre. Amerigo has gained recognition in the gaming community, winning the Miglior Gioco Inedito award.

Game Components of Amerigo

Game Board: Composed of nine, twelve, or sixteen tiles, depending on the number of players.

Dice Tower: A specialized cube tower that determines player actions.

Action Cubes: 49 cubes in seven colors, each matching a particular type of action.

Islands: 16 island tiles.

Frames: 8 frames.

Ships: Player ships for navigation.

Cannons: For protection against pirates.

Progress Tokens: For special advantages.

Resources and Victory Points: Various components to track resources and score.

How To Setup Amerigo

To set up Amerigo, players first assemble the game board using the appropriate number of tiles based on the player count. The cube tower is then seeded with action cubes. Each player selects a ship and places it at the starting location. Players also receive initial resources and progress tokens. The game is ready to begin once all components are distributed and the board is fully assembled.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Action Point Allowance System: Players take actions based on the cubes dropped from the tower.

Grid Movement: Players navigate their ships through the modular board.

Modular Board: The board changes with each game due to the variable tile layout.

Tile Placement: Players build settlements on the islands.

Game Objective

Explore the islands of South America.

Secure trading routes.

Build settlements to earn resources and victory points.

Protect against pirates and gain special advantages through progress tokens.

The player with the most victory points at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Amerigo offers a mix of tactical and strategic gameplay. Players must adapt to the random actions provided by the cube tower, making each game unique due to the variability in cube distribution and map layout. The game has a strong exploration feel, with players sailing their ships, planning settlements, and managing resources. The combination of sailing, planning, and building creates a cohesive and engaging experience.

Pros

High Replayability: Different map layouts and cube distributions ensure no two games are the same.

Engaging Mechanics: The cube tower adds a fun and unpredictable element to the game.

Visual Appeal: The nautical theme and ship movement create an appealing visual experience.

Balanced Strategy: Players need to balance short-term tactical decisions with long-term strategic planning.

Cons

Complexity: The game has several mechanics that can be overwhelming for new players.

Length: The game can take around 90 minutes to play, which may be too long for some players.

Luck Factor: The random nature of the cube tower can sometimes feel unfair.

Personal Thoughts on Amerigo

Amerigo is a great fit for fans of Stefan Feld’s games and those who enjoy nautical exploration themes. It is ideal for players who appreciate games with a mix of strategy and tactical decision-making. While it may not be the best introduction for new board game players due to its complexity, it is a family favorite for many who have experienced it, offering a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

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