Illustrated cover for "Around the World in 80 Days" showing a hot air balloon mid-flight with two characters, one in each top corner, against a sky backdrop with a European landmark in the distance, framed by an ornate red and gold border. The publisher's logo is at the bottom.
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Around the world in 80 days (2024)

ByMichail

Around the World in 80 Days

Around the World in 80 Days is a board game designed by Michael Rieneck and published by Kosmos in 2004. The game is inspired by the classic 1873 novel by Jules Verne, where players follow in Phileas Fogg and Passepartout’s footsteps, attempting to travel around the world in 80 days on a limited budget. The game has been published by various publishers between 1874 and 1928, which suggests its popularity with children and/or grown-ups.

Why is Around the World in 80 Days Popular?

Around the World in 80 Days is a popular game because it is based on a classic novel and offers a unique gameplay experience. The game requires players to manage their resources and make strategic decisions to complete their journey around the world within 80 days. The game is significant because it offers a fun and educational way to learn about geography and history.

Game Components of Around the World in 80 Days

  • Game board** depicting a world map
  • Player tokens** representing Phileas Fogg and his companions
  • Destination cards** and **transportation cards**
  • Challenge cards** and **resource tokens**
  • Rulebook**

    How To Setup Around the World in 80 Days

    To set up the game, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it at the starting point in England. Shuffle the destination cards, transportation cards, and challenge cards, and deal them according to the rules. Distribute the resource tokens and ensure each player has a set of basic resources.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: Be the first player to complete a journey around the world in 80 days or less.
  • Mechanics:
  • Resource Management: Players must manage resources to afford transportation and overcome challenges.
  • Card Drafting: Players draw destination and transportation cards to plan their route.
  • Route Building: Players build their route by connecting destinations on the map.
  • Challenge Resolution: Players face various challenges that can hinder or help their progress.

    Player Experience

    Playing Around the World in 80 Days is a delightful mix of strategy and luck. Players must balance resource management with the need to move quickly around the globe. The game’s theme is vividly brought to life through the diverse destinations and challenges, making each game session feel like a unique adventure.

    Pros

  • Engaging Theme: The game stays true to the spirit of Jules Verne’s novel.
  • Simple to Learn: The rules are easy to understand, making it accessible to new players.
  • Replayability: The random draw of cards ensures each game is different.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above, making it a great family game.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck, which may frustrate some players.
  • Length: While the game typically lasts 60 minutes, some sessions can be longer or shorter depending on player decisions.

    Personal Thoughts on Around the World in 80 Days

    This game is perfect for families, casual gamers, and anyone who enjoys a light-hearted, strategic game. It’s great for those who appreciate the classic tale by Jules Verne and are looking for a fun, thematic gaming experience. However, players who prefer games with deep complexity or minimal luck may find it less appealing. Overall, Around the World in 80 Days offers a charming and entertaining gaming experience that is sure to delight a wide range of players.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl