Caravan (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Caravan is a board game released in 2019 that takes players on a journey through the Arabian desert. Designed by Martin Hoffmann and published by Rio Grande Games, this game offers a unique blend of pick-up and deliver mechanics with a touch of “Take That” strategy.

Game Components of Caravan

Game board depicting the Arabian desert

Player tokens representing different caravans

Resource cards such as water, dates, and spices

Camels as currency

Oasis and market tiles

Event cards

How To Setup Caravan

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player selects a caravan token and places it on the starting space.

Shuffle the resource cards and place them face down.

Distribute a starting amount of camels to each player.

Place the oasis and market tiles in their designated spots.

Shuffle the event cards and place them nearby.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Caravan, players take turns moving their caravan tokens across the desert, collecting and trading resources along the way. The objective is to amass the most valuable collection of goods by the end of the game. Players can hinder their opponents by playing event cards to disrupt their plans or by strategically blocking their paths.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging theme and artwork

Strategic depth with a mix of resource management and player interaction

Quick runtime of around 45 minutes

Cons:

Limited player count of 2-4 players

Some may find the “Take That” mechanics frustrating

Lack of variability in gameplay after multiple sessions

Personal Thoughts on Caravan

Caravan offers an immersive experience set in the Arabian desert, with beautiful artwork and thematic components. The gameplay is solid, but it may not appeal to everyone due to its confrontational nature. The build quality is decent, and the game’s pricing is fair for what it offers. It may not be a top choice for casual gamers, but fans of pick-up and deliver games will likely enjoy it. Overall, Caravan is worth a try for those looking for a unique gaming experience, but it may not be the best fit for everyone.

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