Cargo Noir (2011) Board Game

Cargo Noir is a board game released in 2011 by designer Serge Laget and published by Days of Wonder. The game is set in the 1950s where players take on the roles of rival smugglers trying to amass the most valuable collection of goods from around the world. With beautiful artwork by Miguel Coimbra and Cyrille Daujean, Cargo Noir offers a unique economic gameplay experience.

Game Components of Cargo Noir

Modular board composed of cardboard tiles

3 ships per player

7 coins per player

Goods tiles

Port tiles (up to 8 ports depending on the number of players)

Casino and Black Market tiles

Victory point cards (e.g., island villas, night clubs, yachts)

Player mats

How To Setup Cargo Noir

To set up Cargo Noir, players start by placing their ships on the board. The board is customized based on the number of players, with a central area representing Macao and surrounding ports. Each player begins with 3 ships and 7 coins. The ports are populated with goods tiles, and the casino and Black Market are set up according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Collect goods from various ports and trade them for victory point cards to score the most points.

Game Mechanics:
– Set collection: Players collect goods tiles to trade for victory points.
– Area control: Players bid coins to control ports and goods.
– Resource management: Managing coins and ships to optimize goods collection.
– Modular board: The board changes configuration based on the number of players.

Gameplay Phases

1. **Resolve Ships: Process ships placed in the casino, ports, or Black Market.
2. **Take Actions: Collect goods, bid coins, or trade goods in the Black Market.
3. **Place Ships: Re-position ships for the next turn.

Player Experience

Cargo Noir is designed to be straightforward and easy to learn, making it suitable for families and novice players. The game is light, with simple mechanisms that do not overwhelm players. However, there are opportunities for strategic thinking, particularly in deciding where to place ships and how to bid coins. The average game length is about 40-45 minutes for 3-4 players.

Pros

Easy to learn and teach

Suitable for families and novice players

Quick gameplay

Light and enjoyable experience

Cons

Limited depth and complexity

Potential for analysis paralysis in deciding ship placements

Simple mechanics may not appeal to experienced gamers seeking a challenge

Personal Thoughts on Cargo Noir

Cargo Noir is a pleasant, family-friendly game that is ideal for those looking for a light and enjoyable gaming experience. It is not designed for hardcore gamers seeking complex strategies but is perfect for families, casual gamers, and those new to the world of board games. The game’s simplicity and quick gameplay make it an excellent addition to any game collection aimed at a broader, more casual audience.

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