Africa 1880 (1997) Board Game

Africa 1880 is a board game released in 1997 by Tilsit and Truant Spiele. The game is set in the late 19th century, a time known as the Scramble for Africa, where European powers were competing to colonize and control territories in Africa. Players take on the roles of these colonial powers, navigating political intrigue and military conflicts to establish dominance on the continent.

Game Components of Africa 1880

Game board depicting a map of Africa

Player pieces representing colonial powers

Territory cards

Event cards

Influence markers

How To Setup Africa 1880

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the territory and event cards, placing them in their respective decks.

Each player selects a colonial power and takes the corresponding player pieces and influence markers.

Randomly determine the starting player.

Begin the game with each player placing their pieces on the board according to the setup rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Africa 1880, players must strategically maneuver their colonial powers to gain control of territories and influence in Africa. Players can bluff, negotiate, and engage in military conflicts to achieve their goals. The objective of the game is to have the most influence and control over territories by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging theme set in a historical period of colonization

Strategic depth with multiple gameplay mechanics

Opportunities for negotiation and player interaction

Cons:

Long playtime of 120 minutes may not be suitable for all players

Player elimination mechanic can be frustrating for some

Personal Thoughts on Africa 1880

Africa 1880 offers a deep and immersive gaming experience for players interested in historical themes and strategic gameplay. The game’s components are well-designed, and the mechanics provide a good balance of strategy and player interaction. However, the long playtime and player elimination aspect may not appeal to all players. Overall, Africa 1880 is worth considering for fans of bluffing, negotiation, and area control games set in a historical context.

In terms of pricing and availability, Africa 1880 may be challenging to find as it was released in in 1997. However, used copies can sometimes be found online through marketplaces like eBay or BoardGameGeek. Alternatives to Africa 1880 include games like Diplomacy and Twilight Struggle, which offer similar thematic experiences. Ultimately, Africa 1880 is a game that will appeal to history buffs and strategy enthusiasts, but may not be suitable for those looking for a quick or casual gaming experience.

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