Cartagena (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cartagena is a popular board game designed by Leo Colovini and was first released in in 2017. The game is set in the Caribbean during the age of piracy, where players take on the roles of pirates trying to escape from prison and reach the city of Cartagena. The game has garnered a dedicated following over the years due to its simple yet engaging gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Cartagena

Game board: Comprised of six double-sided sections, each featuring different permutations of six pictures: daggers, pirate hats, pistols, bottles of rum, skulls, and skeleton keys.

Cards: A set of 102 cards, with 17 cards for each of the six pictures.

Pirates: Six wooden figures for each player, available in brown, red, yellow, green, and blue.

Variants: Includes classic base game, Cartagena 2: The Pirate’s Nest, and new variants introduced in the 2017 edition.

How To Setup Cartagena

Setting up Cartagena is straightforward and quick, taking about 5 minutes. The game board is assembled by combining the six double-sided sections in any order, creating a unique layout for each game. Each player is dealt six cards and starts with six pirates at the Cartagena prison. The remaining cards are placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The first player to move all six of their pirates from the Cartagena prison to the sloop wins.

Turns: Each turn allows a player to make between one and three moves.

Forward Move: Play a card to move a pirate to the next unoccupied square with the same picture as the card.

Backward Move: Move a pirate back to a square with one or two pirates to draw one or two cards, respectively.

Variants:

Jamaica: Cards are hidden, adding an element of luck.

Tortuga: Cards are visible, emphasizing deep analysis and strategy.

Player Experience

Cartagena offers a engaging and relatively short gaming experience, lasting about 45 minutes. It is categorized as a race game, family game, and pirates game, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of players. The game’s modular board and hand management mechanics add depth without overwhelming complexity, making it a great choice for casual gamers and families.

Pros

High Replayability: With thousands of possible board configurations, each game is unique.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but requires planning and analysis.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 13 and above.

Language-Independent: No in-game text necessary, making it accessible to non-English speakers.

Cons

Luck Element: The Jamaica variant can be too luck-dependent for some players.

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to gamers seeking highly complex strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Cartagena

Cartagena is an excellent choice for those looking for a light-hearted, strategic game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. It’s perfect for families, casual gamers, and anyone interested in a fun, pirate-themed adventure. The game’s balance of luck and strategy makes it appealing to a broad audience, and its modular design ensures that no two games are ever the same. If you’re looking for a game that’s both entertaining and easy to grasp, Cartagena is a great addition to your gaming collection.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.