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Bad Maps (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Bad Maps is a board game released in 2019 that puts players in the shoes of pirates searching for treasure on the high seas. Designed by Kristen Pauline and Peter Wocken, the game is published by Floodgate Games and falls under the category of pirate-themed games. With a unique mix of action queue, betting, and bluffing mechanics, Bad Maps offers an exciting and strategic gaming experience for 3-5 players.

Game Components of Bad Maps

  • Player boards**
  • Minion tokens**
  • Action cards**
  • Community treasure map board**
  • Tokens and markers for tracking progress and resources**

    How To Setup Bad Maps

    To set up **Bad Maps**, each player starts by receiving a player board and a set of action cards. The community treasure map board is placed centrally, and minion tokens are distributed according to the game’s setup rules. Players then prepare their decks of action cards, which will be used to guide the minions on the treasure map.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Action Programming: Players plan and execute actions in advance by playing cards.
  • Resource Management: Managing the limited control over minions and resources.
  • Strategy: Building a community treasure map that all minions follow.
  • Objective: The goal is to efficiently guide minions to collect treasure while navigating the challenges of poorly planned actions.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Bad Maps** involves a mix of strategic planning and reacting to the unpredictable movements of minions. The game spans two rounds, each requiring careful card play to ensure that the community treasure map is built effectively. With a playtime of 60-90 minutes, it is best enjoyed with three players for optimal engagement.

    Pros

  • Engaging Gameplay: Combines strategy and unpredictability.
  • Interactive: Players must adapt to each other’s actions.
  • Replayability: High due to the variability of action card combinations.

    Cons

  • Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the action programming mechanic.
  • Player Count: Best with three players; gameplay can be less optimal with more or fewer players.

    Personal Thoughts on Bad Maps

    **Bad Maps** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a twist of unpredictability. It is suited for those who like action programming and resource management, and it offers a fun, interactive experience that challenges players to think ahead while adapting to unforeseen outcomes. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler rules and quicker gameplay.

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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

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