Curious Cargo (2020) Board Game

Curious Cargo is a board game released in 2020 by designer Ryan Courtney and publisher Capstone Games. It is a strategic game that involves industry, manufacturing, puzzle-solving, and transportation elements. The game is designed for 2 players and has a runtime of 30-60 minutes.

Game Components of Curious Cargo

6 unique player boards for each player

Conveyor tiles

Truck cards

Custom-shaped cargo tokens

Scaffolding tiles

Action points (APs)

Stars and scoring tokens

How To Setup Curious Cargo

To set up the game, each player selects a unique player board and places it in front of them. The conveyor tiles are placed in a bag, and each player draws three cards. The game includes two modes: Day Mode, which uses 2-color Conveyor tiles, and Night Mode, which introduces a third color for a more advanced experience.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Construction Phase: Players use three action points (APs) to draw tiles from the bag or place tiles on their player board, connecting machines to the right and left sides to create a continuous network of pipes.

Trucking Phase: Players call in trucks to ship and receive cargo, timing the arrival of trucks to optimize scoring.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the number of goods shipped, received, and connections made. A player must have shipped two of all goods to be eligible for victory.

Stars: Creating ten connections or receiving four of a single type of good earns stars; the player with the most stars wins, regardless of score.

Game End: The game ends when the tile bag or card deck is depleted, or a player ships 9 goods (12 in the advanced game).

Player Experience

**Curious Cargo** is a game that rewards experience and strategic thinking. It can be challenging, especially in the initial plays, as players need to adapt to the random draw of tiles and cards. The game encourages building shapes through stacking tiles using scaffolding, which adds a layer of complexity and strategy. Players must balance short-term objectives with long-term planning, often needing to make difficult decisions on tile placement and truck timing.

Pros

Unique Tile Placement Mechanics: Encourages creative and adaptive strategies.

Multiple Strategies: Offers various paths to victory, including shipping and receiving cargo.

High Replayability: Six unique player boards and two game modes provide significant variability.

Rewarding Gameplay: Smart plays and overcoming challenges feel highly rewarding.

Condensed Rules: A meaty game with a small, easy-to-understand rule set.

Cons

Thinky Game: Can be too puzzling and brain-intensive for some players.

Luck of the Draw: The random draw of tiles and cards can lead to frustration if the perfect pieces are not available.

Steep Learning Curve: Adapting to the game’s mechanics and strategies can take time.

Personal Thoughts on Curious Cargo

**Curious Cargo** is ideal for players who enjoy spatial puzzles, strategic planning, and competitive gameplay. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate a challenge and are willing to invest time in mastering the game’s intricacies. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler, more straightforward games, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those who enjoy complex strategy and adaptation. If you’re looking for a game that will keep you engaged and thinking critically, **Curious Cargo** is an excellent choice.

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