Aldabas: Doors of Cartagena (2022) Board Game

Aldabas: Doors of Cartagena is a card game released in 2022, designed by Josh Cappel and Juan David Vargas. The game is set in the historic city of Cartagena, Colombia, known for its colorful buildings and iconic wooden doors. Players take on the role of architects competing to design the most beautiful and functional doors in the city.

Game Components of Aldabas: Doors of Cartagena

Cards: Representing different professions and characters.

Tableau: Where players build their neighborhood.

Action Cards: For taking various actions during the game.

Influence Tokens: To measure the influence of the neighborhood.

How To Setup Aldabas: Doors of Cartagena

To set up the game, each player starts with a starting hand of cards and a blank tableau. The remaining cards are shuffled into a deck. Players draw a set number of cards to begin, and the game is ready to start. The objective is to fill the tableau with the most influential citizens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tableau Building: Players build their neighborhood by placing cards in a strategic manner.

Action Selection: Players take actions such as recruiting characters, using special abilities, and managing resources.

Influence Management: The goal is to maximize the influence of your neighborhood.

Profession Management: Balancing five different professions to achieve the best outcome.

Resource Management: Managing the cards in your hand to take optimal actions.

Player Experience

In **Aldabas: Doors of Cartagena**, players engage in a puzzly and strategic game where they aim to fill their neighborhood with the most influential citizens. Each turn, players must carefully select actions to recruit new characters, use special abilities, and manage their resources effectively. The game requires a balance of short-term and long-term planning, making it both challenging and rewarding.

Pros

Cultural Inspiration: The game is rich in Colombian culture, adding a unique flavor.

Strategic Depth: The gameplay mechanics offer a good level of complexity and strategy.

Replayability: Different card combinations ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Affordable: Priced around $24.99, making it accessible to many players.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game may take some time to learn due to its complex mechanics.

Limited Player Count: Best suited for a specific number of players, which might limit its versatility.

Personal Thoughts on Aldabas: Doors of Cartagena

**Aldabas: Doors of Cartagena** is ideal for fans of tableau-building games and those who enjoy strategic planning. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games with a cultural twist and are willing to invest time in learning the mechanics. This game is not for casual players looking for a quick, simple experience but rather for those who enjoy a challenge and are eager to dive into a more complex and rewarding game.

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