Lighthouse Run (2018) Board Game

Lighthouse Run is a nautical-themed board game released in 2018, designed by Christian Fiore. The game features a race among players to reach the lighthouse first, using hand management mechanics. With a playtime of 20-25 minutes, it is suitable for 2-4 players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Lighthouse Run

Sailboats: Each player controls a set of five sailboats.

Lighthouses: Six 3D lighthouses, but only three are lit at any time due to understaffing.

Cards: An identical deck of 14 cards for each player, containing three types of cards (single-ship movement, multi-ship movement, and group movement).

Cloud Track: A mechanism to track the approaching storm.

Light Tokens: To mark which lighthouses are lit.

How To Setup Lighthouse Run

To set up the game, each player selects a set of five sailboats of the same color. The 3D lighthouses are placed along the coastline, and the light tokens are used to indicate which lighthouses are lit. Each player receives an identical deck of 14 cards. The cloud track is set up to monitor the storm’s progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Players use a hand of three cards to move their sailboats. Cards can move one ship, multiple ships of the same color, or all ships of different colors.

Lighthouse Management: Players must manage which lighthouses are lit to allow their sailboats to move, as sailboats can only move to fields illuminated by the lighthouses.

Storm Mechanic: After each round, the cloud moves on the cloud track. Once the cloud reaches the seventh step, it starts affecting the game by stopping any sailboats it overtakes.

Objective: The goal is to move your sailboats as far as possible towards the harbor before the storm catches them. Points are awarded based on the last lighthouse each sailboat passes.

Player Experience

Lighthouse Run offers a fun and strategic experience for 2-4 players, lasting about 20-25 minutes. The game is immediately playable, with simple rules that maximize fun. Players need to balance their own progress with the need to manage the lighthouses and avoid the storm.

Pros

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but requires strategic thinking.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Interactive: Players influence each other’s moves through lighthouse management.

Quick Gameplay: Games are short and engaging.

Cons

Randomness: The storm mechanic can introduce randomness that might frustrate some players.

Limited Player Control: Players have only three cards in their hand, limiting their immediate choices.

Personal Thoughts on Lighthouse Run

Lighthouse Run is perfect for families or casual gamers looking for a quick, engaging game. It teaches strategic thinking and resource management in a fun, sailing-themed environment. The game’s short duration and simple rules make it an excellent addition to any board game collection, especially for those who enjoy light-hearted, competitive games. However, it may not appeal to players seeking complex, long-duration games or those who prefer games with minimal randomness.

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