Canalis (2013) Board Game
Canalis is a city-building card game released in 2013 by designers Andrew Hepworth and Jeff Himmelman. The game is published by Alderac Entertainment Group and is set during the Renaissance period. Players take on the role of city planners competing to build the most prosperous and efficient city by strategically constructing a network of canals.
## Game Components of Canalis
– Grid board
– Canal tiles
– Industrial building tiles
– Resource tiles
– Harbor tiles
– Garden tiles
– Faction cards
– Mission cards
– Scheme cards
– Control markers
– Money tokens
– Victory point tokens
## How To Setup Canalis
The game starts with a nearly blank grid board, except for the edges which have harbors and resources. Each player chooses a faction, which provides unique abilities and scoring opportunities, and receives two mission cards. The cards are divided into two decks for the four stages of the game.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Card Drafting**: Players draft and play cards that either lay tiles or execute schemes.
– **Tile Laying**: Tiles are placed on the board to connect industrial buildings to resources, workers, and the harbor.
– **Resource Management**: Players manage resources and money to build and score buildings.
– **Secret Missions**: Each player has mission cards that provide additional scoring opportunities.
– **Objective**: The goal is to score the most victory points by connecting and scoring buildings, fulfilling mission objectives, and using faction abilities effectively.
## Player Experience
Canalis offers a fun and strategic experience, especially in the first three-quarters of the game. Players enjoy the freedom of placing tiles anywhere on the board and the complexity of managing resources and schemes. However, the game can become congested in the final round, potentially leading to disappointment.
### Pros
– **Strategic Depth**: Combines card drafting and tile laying for a rich strategic experience.
– **Faction Variety**: Different factions offer unique abilities and scoring opportunities.
– **Dynamic Gameplay**: Secret missions and schemes keep the game unpredictable.
– **Visual Appeal**: The game board evolves dynamically as players lay tiles.
### Cons
– **Board Congestion**: The final round can become overly congested, limiting strategic options.
– **Complexity in Final Round**: The last stage of the game can feel less enjoyable due to board constraints.
## Personal Thoughts on Canalis
Canalis is ideal for fans of Eurogames who enjoy strategic planning, resource management, and dynamic gameplay. The game’s unique combination of mechanics makes it engaging for players who like to think strategically. However, groups that prefer a consistent flow throughout the game might find the final round less satisfying. Overall, Canalis is a great choice for those looking for a challenging and fun board game experience.
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