Atlantic Triangle (2010) Board Game

Atlantic Triangle is a strategic board game that was released in in 2010. It is set in a nautical theme with elements of pirates and transportation. The game was designed by Aki Raula and Esa Wiik, featuring artwork by Mindwarrior Games, Nelostuote Oy, and Tactic. With a playtime of around 90 minutes, the game is suitable for 2 to 5 players aged 13 and above.

Game Components of Atlantic Triangle

Game board

Ship tokens

Goods tokens (e.g., slaves, ivory, guns)

Victory point cards

Action cards

Dice

Pirate tokens

Fortress tokens

Money (gold)

How To Setup Atlantic Triangle

To set up the game, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a set of ship tokens and places them at the starting port in Europe. The goods tokens, action cards, and victory point cards are distributed according to the rules. Players also receive a starting amount of gold. The pirate tokens are placed on designated spaces on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Rolling: Ships move by rolling dice.

Pick-up and Deliver: Players collect goods from one location and deliver them to another.

Roll / Spin and Move: Ship movement is determined by dice rolls.

Set Collection: Collecting victory point cards.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate victory points by completing the triangular trade route (Europe to Africa to the New World) and building fortresses on Atlantic islands and ports. Players must manage supply and demand, avoid pirates, and optimize their goods trading to earn the most points.

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of captains of merchant fleets in the early 18th century, navigating the complexities of the triangular trade. The game starts with excitement as players move their ships and trade goods, but it often becomes slow due to the limited flow of money and the increasing presence of pirates. The game can take around 90 minutes to play, and the pace can be tedious, especially if players encounter bad luck with dice rolls or fill up the ports too quickly.

Pros

Historical Theme: The game is set in a historical context, providing a unique theme.

Multiple Paths to Victory: Players can score points through various means, such as building fortresses, trading goods, and hunting pirates.

Luck and Strategy: The game balances luck from dice rolls with strategic decisions on trading and ship management.

Cons

Slow Gameplay: The game’s pace is often slow due to the limited flow of money and the increasing presence of pirates.

Usability Issues: The rulebook is criticized for being poorly written, and some design choices prioritize form over function.

Sensitive Theme: The game’s theme of slave trading can be controversial and sensitive.

Personal Thoughts on Atlantic Triangle

Atlantic Triangle is suited for players who enjoy light, luck-heavy games and are not deterred by slow gameplay. Despite its flaws, the game can be engaging for those who appreciate the historical context and the excitement provided by dice rolls. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking fast-paced or deeply strategic games. The game’s controversial theme also means it may not appeal to everyone, so it’s important for potential players to be aware of this aspect before deciding to play.

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