Bora Bora (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bora Bora is a board game designed by Alexander Jung and released in in 2013. It is published by alea, a division of Ravensburger, known for producing high-quality board games. The game is set on the beautiful tropical island of Bora Bora and combines elements of dice rolling, set collection, and worker placement.

Game Components of Bora Bora

Game board

28 Hut tiles

16 Temple tiles

4 Player boards

28 Dice (7 per player)

140 Man figures (35 per player)

140 Shell tokens

56 Knowledge cards

24 Man development cards

16 Boat tiles

1 Die roll pad

How To Setup Bora Bora

To set up the game, each player chooses a player board and places it on the table. Each player receives 7 dice, 35 Man figures, and a set of Shell tokens. The game board is placed in the middle, and the Hut, Temple, and Boat tiles are arranged according to the rules. Knowledge cards and Man development cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The die roll pad is also placed centrally.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: The game is played over six turns, each turn consisting of three phases: rolling and placing dice, using Man figures, and resolving actions.

Dice Rolling: Players roll their dice to determine available actions.

Action Resolution: 5-7 actions are available each round, depending on the number of players. Actions include constructing huts, temples, and boats, as well as using Knowledge cards and Man development cards.

Worker Placement: Dice serve as the “workers” with abilities changing every roll.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by constructing buildings, gaining knowledge, and completing other tasks.

Player Experience

**Bora Bora** offers a rich and visually appealing experience, with gameplay that can be complex but highly rewarding. Games can last around 2-2.5 hours for four players, which can be extended if there are players prone to analysis paralysis. Despite the potential for long playtime, the game’s depth and variety make it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Visually Appealing: The game is a visual delight with well-designed components.

Deep Strategy: Offers a complex and rewarding gameplay experience.

Variable Abilities: Dice abilities change with each roll, adding unpredictability and strategy.

Multiple Paths to Victory: Players can focus on different aspects such as construction, knowledge, or boatbuilding.

Cons

Long Playtime: Games can be lengthy, especially with more players or analysis-prone players.

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its unique mechanics.

AP Potential: The complexity can lead to analysis paralysis in some players.

Personal Thoughts on Bora Bora

**Bora Bora** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategy and complexity. It is not a beginner’s game due to its intricate mechanics and long playtime. However, for those who appreciate depth and variety in their gaming experiences, **Bora Bora** offers a highly engaging and challenging environment.

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