Trails of Tucana (2019) Board Game

Trails of Tucana is a board game that was released in 2019 by Aporta Games. Designed by Kristian Amundsen Østby and Eilif Svensson, this game is set in the fictional land of Tucana, where players must explore and connect different regions by drawing routes on their maps. With a runtime of 15 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above, Trails of Tucana combines elements of bingo, connections, line drawing, and network and route building.

Game Components of Trails of Tucana

Maps of the island Tucana for each player

Terrain cards (including desert, forest, mountain, and water)

Player boards for drawing trails

Scoring system components

How To Setup Trails of Tucana

To set up Trails of Tucana, each player receives a map of the island Tucana, which shows villages and important sights. The positions of these villages are randomized for each player, ensuring a unique puzzle in every game. Players prepare their maps and the terrain card deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Flip-and-Write Mechanics: One player flips over two terrain cards each turn.

Trail Drawing: Players draw trails between two neighboring spaces of the shown terrains on their maps.

Network Building: Trails gradually grow into a network of roads.

Scoring: Points are scored by connecting matching harbors and connecting sights to harbors.

Bonus Points: First player to connect a pair of harbors receives bonus points.

Terrain Card Distribution: Varying distribution of terrain cards, with some (like mountains) being rarer than others.

Player Experience

Players engage in strategic planning to maximize their chances of connecting harbors and sights efficiently. The varying distribution of terrain cards adds a layer of complexity, requiring players to think ahead and adapt to the random card flips. This game is quick and easy to play but offers enough depth to entertain gamers of various skill levels.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Each session lasts only 15 minutes.

High Replayability: Randomized village positions ensure unique puzzles each time.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and above.

Cons

Luck Factor: The random flip of terrain cards can sometimes hinder strategic plans.

Limited Depth for Advanced Gamers: Some experienced gamers might find it too light.

Personal Thoughts on Trails of Tucana

Trails of Tucana is an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and those who enjoy quick, strategic games. Its simplicity and short gameplay make it a great filler game, while the strategic elements keep players engaged. However, advanced gamers seeking more complex challenges might find it a bit light. Overall, it’s a fun and interactive game that’s perfect for a quick gaming session.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.