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Shipyard (2nd Edition) (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Shipyard is a board game that simulates the process of designing and building ships in a shipyard. The game was first released in 2010 by designer Vladimír Suchý and has since gained popularity for its engaging gameplay and strategic depth. The second edition of Shipyard was released in 2023 by Delicious Games, featuring updated components and rule changes to enhance the player experience.

Game Components of Shipyard

  • Player boards
  • Ship and commodity tiles
  • Crew and equipment tiles
  • Employee tiles
  • Canal tiles
  • Action tiles
  • Guilder tokens
  • Cubes for action selection
  • Cardboard crane and storage units for tiles
  • Various ship components (e.g., bow, middle sections, stern, life buoys, cabin quarters)

    How To Setup Shipyard

    Setting up Shipyard involves several steps. Players start by assembling their personal boards and the action tile board. Each player receives a set of starting tiles and guilder tokens. The game includes a unique storage solution for the chits and ship parts, although this solution can be cumbersome and does not allow the box to seal properly once everything is assembled. The setup time is generally brisk, except for the need to rebuild the chit storage and ship parts storage unit each time the game is played.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Action Selection:** Players use cubes to select actions on an action wheel.
  • Tile Drafting:** Drafting ship parts, commodities, and crew.
  • Rondel Mechanic:** Using a four-ring rondel to select crew, ship components, and ongoing player powers.
  • Worker Placement:** Placing cubes to take actions and gather resources.

    Game Objective

  • Build Ships:** Construct ships by gathering and aligning the correct components and crew.
  • Shakedown Cruises:** Send completed ships down rented canals for scoring.
  • Score Points:** Score points based on ship features, crew members, and the speed of the boat.
  • Compete for Blue Riband:** Aim to build the fastest ship to cross the Atlantic, competing for the prestigious Blue Riband award.

    Player Experience

    Playing Shipyard is a strategic and patient experience. The game is characterized by quiet moments of planning interspersed with bursts of activity. Players must carefully manage their actions to build the most efficient and scoring ships. The game’s unique action-selection mechanism and rondel system require players to plan ahead and time their actions carefully. The goal is to create the best possible ships, which can take most of the game to achieve, leading to a mix of quiet and intense gameplay moments.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** Offers a complex and engaging gameplay experience with multiple strategies.
  • Historical Context:** Set in an interesting historical period, combining the Ages of Sails and Steam.
  • Variable Actions:** The action wheel and rondel mechanics provide a dynamic and changing environment.
  • Solo and Competitive Play:** Supports 1-4 players, making it versatile for different gaming groups.

    Cons

  • Long Setup:** Despite brisk setup time, the storage solution is cumbersome and requires frequent reassembly.
  • Complex Rules:** Can be overwhelming for new players due to the multiple mechanics and components.
  • Lengthy Gameplay:** The game lasts 90-120 minutes, which may not be appealing to all players.

    Personal Thoughts on Shipyard

    Shipyard (2nd Edition) is ideal for fans of economic and worker placement games who enjoy strategic depth and historical themes. It is suited for players who are willing to invest time in learning the complex rules and mechanics. The game rewards careful planning and timing, making it a great fit for those who appreciate a challenging yet rewarding gaming experience. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those looking for quick, light-hearted games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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