West of Africa is a board game released in 2016, designed by Harald Lieske. The game is set in the 15th century, during the Age of Discovery, where players take on the role of explorers and merchants looking to establish trade routes and expand their influence in the West African region.
Game Components of Star of Africa
Game board featuring Africa with various routes and locationsRound tokens with different outcomes (gemstones, robbers, horseshoes, empty tokens)Player tokensDice for movementMoney (300 pounds per player)
How To Setup Star of Africa
Players start by placing the round tokens randomly on the red circles on the board, face down. Each player receives 300 pounds and chooses to start in either Tangier or Cairo.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Movement Mechanics: Players can move by land (free), sea (100 pounds), or air (300 pounds). Air routes allow direct movement to connected circles, while land and sea routes require rolling a die to determine the number of spaces to move.Token Resolution: Players can open tokens on red circles by paying 100 pounds or rolling a die (4-6 to succeed).Token Outcomes: Tokens can be empty, gemstones (earning money), robbers (losing all money), horseshoes (no effect unless someone has the Star of Africa), or the Star of Africa (the game’s main objective).Game Objective: Find the Star of Africa and return it to Tangier or Cairo to win. Alternatively, if someone has the Star of Africa and another player finds a horseshoe and returns to the starting city first, they win.
Player Experience
“Star of Africa” offers a thrilling adventure where players navigate through Africa, managing resources and risks. The game combines luck, strategy, and memory, as players need to recall where certain tokens might be located.
Pros
Engaging Gameplay: The mix of luck and strategy keeps the game exciting.Educational Value: Players learn about African geography.Social Interaction: Suitable for family and friends, promoting social interaction and competition.Nostalgic Appeal: Many players have fond memories of playing this game in their childhood.
Cons
Dependence on Luck: The roll of the die and token draws can significantly influence the game outcome.Complex Rules: While the core mechanics are simple, there are several special rules and conditions that can be confusing for new players.Outdated Components: Some versions may have lower quality components compared to modern games.
Personal Thoughts on Star of Africa
This game is ideal for those who enjoy adventure and exploration themes, as well as those looking for a game that combines strategy with a bit of luck. It is particularly suited for families and groups of friends who appreciate nostalgic games with a rich history. However, players seeking purely strategic games might find the luck element too dominant.
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