Cape May (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cape May is a city-building and economic board game designed by Michael Menzel and published by Thunderworks Games in in 2021. The game is set in the quaint seaside town of Cape May, New Jersey, known for its Victorian architecture and beautiful beaches. Players take on the role of real estate developers competing to build the most prosperous resort in the area.

Game Components of Cape May

Game board featuring four zones: gravel, grass, dirt, and sand

Movement cards

Cottages, shops, Victorian houses, and business tokens

Bird spotting tokens

Catastrophe tokens

How To Setup Cape May

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a set of movement cards and places their tokens on the starting locations on the board. The game components, such as cottages, shops, and other tokens, are sorted and placed within reach of all players. Players also draw a starting hand of movement cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Point System: Players use movement cards to perform actions.

City Building: Construct cottages, shops, Victorian houses, and businesses in specific areas.

Bird Spotting: Players can spot birds to gain additional points.

Catastrophes: Avoid or mitigate catastrophes that can affect gameplay.

Objective: Score points by building structures, spotting birds, and managing catastrophes efficiently.

Player Experience

In **Cape May**, players immerse themselves in the historic town of Cape May, navigating its streets to develop properties and manage various challenges. The game requires strategic planning, as players must optimize their movement cards to achieve the best outcomes. The inclusion of bird spotting and catastrophes adds a layer of unpredictability, making each game unique.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a rich action point system that requires thoughtful planning.

Thematic Integration: The game theme is well-integrated, making the experience feel immersive.

Replayability: The combination of movement cards and random events ensures high replayability.

Cons

Zone Clarity: The zones on the board can be hard to distinguish, which may cause confusion during gameplay.

Complexity: The game may have a steep learning curve due to its complex mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Cape May

**Cape May** is ideal for fans of strategic city-building games who enjoy a mix of planning and adaptability. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate thematic games with deep mechanics. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler rulesets.

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