Cargo (2004) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cargo is a board game released in 2004 by Wingnut Games. Designed by Tom Jolly and featuring artwork by The Fraim Brothers, Cargo falls into the category of abstract strategy games. With a playtime of around 45 minutes, Cargo is suitable for 2 to 4 players aged 10 and up.

Game Components of Cargo

Game Board: A grid of sixty-four squares connected to ships of different colors.

Worker Counters: Seven worker counters per player, each with different abilities (Dockhand, Burly Worker, Mule, Elephant).

Crate Tokens: Tokens in various colors, placed randomly on the board.

Player Ships: Each player has a ship of a specific color.

How To Setup Cargo

To set up the game, all the crate tokens are mixed up and placed face down on the board. Players can choose where the crates go but do not know their colors. Once all crates are placed, they are flipped face-up. Each player places their worker counters on legal spaces on the board in a predetermined order.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Abilities:
– Dockhand: Push one crate or move one space.
– Burly Worker: Push up to two crates or move one space.
– Mule: Push or pull one box two spaces or move up to two spaces.
– Elephant: Move two spaces, push up to two boxes two spaces, or pull one box.

Objective: Players aim to push crates of their color onto their corresponding ship and push opposing players’ crates into the ocean.

Scoring: Points are awarded for pushing own crates into the ship (3 points each), pushing opposing players’ crates into the water (1 point each), and squishing opposing workers (1 point each).

Game End: The game ends when one player has no crates of their color left on the board. The player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Playing “Cargo” involves a mix of strategy and tactical movement. Players must carefully plan their moves to optimize their score, using the unique abilities of their workers to their advantage. The game requires a balance between pushing your own crates to safety and sabotaging your opponents.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Each worker type offers different abilities, allowing for varied strategies.

Interactive Gameplay: Players constantly interact with each other’s moves, making the game dynamic and engaging.

Simple Rules: The rules are concise and easy to understand.

Cons

Luck Element: The random placement of crates introduces an element of luck that can affect gameplay.

Length of Game: The game may become repetitive, especially if players are evenly matched.

Personal Thoughts on Cargo

“Cargo” is a game suited for players who enjoy strategic movement and competitive interaction. It is ideal for families or casual game nights, as it is easy to learn but challenging to master. The game’s simplicity and interactive nature make it accessible to a wide range of players, though it may appeal more to those who enjoy tactical games with a touch of luck.

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