Amazonas (2005) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Amazonas is a board game designed by Stefan Dorra and published by 999 Games in in 2005. The game is set in the Amazon rainforest and challenges players to explore and collect treasures while navigating the various tributaries of the Amazon River.

Game Components of Amazonas

1 game board featuring the Amazon River and connected villages

48 wooden huts in four player colors (blue, red, orange, white)

16 silver coins and 28 gold coins

60 specimen tokens representing various Amazonian species

4 native tokens

4 bonus tokens

28 income cards

18 event cards

8 secret mission cards

4 turn order cards

1 rulebook.

How To Setup Amazonas

To set up the game, each player selects a color and takes a set of 12 huts, 7 income cards, and 3 gold coins. A secret mission card is also given to each player, listing four villages they must have built tents in by the end of the game. The game board, featuring thirty interconnected villages, is placed on the table. Each village has a specific specimen type and building sites with varying gold costs. A pile of gold and silver coins, along with event cards and specimen tokens, is placed near the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Collect a full set of specimens and reach four villages designated by your sponsor.

Turn Order: Determined by income cards played face-down, with ties broken by card values and special tie-breaker numbers.

Income & Building: Players take income and may build huts in villages.

Event Cards: Can modify income or impose penalties.

Connection Building: Players connect their huts across the Amazonian villages.

Set Collection: Collect multiple specimens of different types.

Secret Missions: Fulfill the demands of your secret mission card to avoid point penalties.

Player Experience

**Amazonas** offers a mix of tactical and strategic decisions. Players must balance the need to collect a variety of specimens with the necessity of connecting their huts to specific villages. The game is engaging but not overly complex, making it suitable for families and new players to strategic board games. Each game session typically lasts about an hour, providing a good balance between simplicity and depth.

Pros

Beautiful Components: Attractive game board and well-designed tokens.

Replay Value: Different outcomes each game due to variable setup and player choices.

Family-Friendly: Simple enough for children aged 10 and up, yet strategic enough for adults.

Tactical Depth: Interesting tactical decisions regarding income cards and hut placement.

Cons

Limited Repetitive Play: While enjoyable, it may not be the go-to game for frequent play.

Complexity in Details: Some players may find the costs of building huts and event card effects slightly confusing.

Personal Thoughts on Amazonas

**Amazonas** is an excellent addition to any board game collection, particularly for those who enjoy strategic games without the need for deep complexity. It is a great introduction to more advanced board games for new players and serves as a satisfying experience for families and casual gamers. However, for experienced gamers looking for a game to play frequently, it might not be the top choice due to its moderate complexity and playtime.

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