Amerigo (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Amerigo is a board game designed by Stefan Feld and released in 2013 by Queen Games. The game combines elements of nautical exploration and the Renaissance period, making it a unique and engaging experience for players. With its innovative gameplay mechanics and beautiful artwork, Amerigo has garnered a strong following among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Amerigo

49 cubes in seven colors

Game board composed of 9, 12, or 16 tiles depending on the number of players

Player ships and other game pieces

Action point tokens

Resource tokens

How To Setup Amerigo

To set up Amerigo, start by dropping all 49 cubes into the top of the tower, seeding it randomly. This tower is a key component, as it determines the resources available each round. The game board is assembled using the appropriate number of tiles based on the number of players. Each player chooses a ship and places it at the starting location on the board. Players also receive their starting action point tokens and any other necessary pieces.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Point Allowance System: Players have a variable number of action points to perform actions.

Area Control: Players navigate their ships to control areas of the board.

Resource Management: Players collect and manage resources obtained from the cube tower.

Objective: The goal is to score the most points by exploring new lands, settling, and collecting resources.

Player Experience

In Amerigo, players engage in a mix of strategic and tactical gameplay. They sail their ships through the landscape, exploring new lands that are rich with resources. The game requires balancing immediate needs with long-term strategies, as the resources available are determined by the cube tower, which introduces an element of randomness.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a challenging and engaging experience for fans of complex games.

Variable Setup: The cube tower and modular board ensure high replayability.

Balanced Mechanics: Combines exploration, resource management, and area control seamlessly.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game has a steep learning curve due to its complex rules.

Randomness: The cube tower can introduce frustrating elements of chance.

Length: Games can take around 60-90 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Amerigo

Amerigo is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategic games with deep mechanics. It is not a beginner’s game due to its complexity and the need for strategic planning. However, for those who appreciate games that challenge and reward careful planning, Amerigo is a gem that offers a rich and satisfying gameplay experience.

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