Polynesia (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Polynesia is a board game released in 2020 by Ludonova. Designed by Peer Sylvester, the game revolves around nautical exploration and travel in the Polynesian islands. Players take on the role of explorers, navigating their ships through the vast Pacific Ocean in search of new lands and resources.

Game Components of Polynesia

Game board featuring the Pacific islands

Tribe member tokens

Island tiles

Volcano tiles

Action cards

Counters for resources and progress

How To Setup Polynesia

To set up Polynesia, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. The island tiles are shuffled and placed face down on designated spaces on the board. Each player chooses a tribe and places their tribe member tokens on the starting island. Volcano tiles are set aside to be drawn during the game. Players receive a set of action cards and the necessary counters for resources and progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Exploration, Strategy

Mechanics: Area Control, Hand Management, Modular Board

Objective: Players must save their tribe members from an active volcano by navigating them to safe islands.

Gameplay:
– Manage action cards to move tribe members and gather resources.
– Draw volcano tiles to simulate the eruption, which adds pressure and danger.
– Use hand management to optimize actions each turn.
– Control areas on the board to secure safe locations for tribe members.

Player Experience

Playing Polynesia involves a mix of strategic planning and resource management as players navigate the dangers of an active volcano. The game requires players to think ahead, managing their action cards and resources carefully to ensure the survival of their tribe members. The modular board and random draw of volcano tiles add a layer of unpredictability, keeping the game exciting and challenging.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game offers a unique and engaging theme of Pacific exploration and survival.

Strategic Depth: Combines hand management and area control for a rich gameplay experience.

Replayability: The modular board and random volcano tiles ensure high replayability.

Playable Remotely: Can be played effectively over Zoom with remote participants.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the multiple mechanics and components.

Length: Games can take a significant amount of time to complete.

Luck Factor: The draw of volcano tiles can introduce a high degree of luck, affecting gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Polynesia

Polynesia is a game tailored for fans of strategic and thematic board games. It is ideal for experienced players who enjoy games with deep mechanics and a high level of replayability. However, new players may find the game daunting due to its complexity. Overall, it is a great addition to any board game collection for those who appreciate a challenge and a immersive theme.

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