Colonial: Europe’s Empires Overseas (2011) Board Game

Colonial: Europe’s Empires Overseas is a board game that was released in in 2011. Designed by Maxime Estoppey and featuring artwork by Stratagem Game Design, this game allows players to step into the shoes of European powers during the Age of Exploration. The game is set in the 15th to 18th centuries, a time when European nations were expanding their empires overseas through colonization and conquest.

Game Components of Colonial: Europe’s Empires Overseas

Map board

Player boards

Action cards

Influence markers

Dice

Rulebook

How To Setup Colonial: Europe’s Empires Overseas

Set up the map board in the center of the play area.

Each player chooses a European power and takes the corresponding player board and influence markers.

Shuffle the action cards and place them face down.

Place the dice within reach of all players.

Determine the starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Colonial: Europe’s Empires Overseas, players will compete to gain control over colonies, trade routes, and territories. Through a combination of area majority/influence, campaign/battle card driven mechanics, dice rolling, and simultaneous action selection, players will need to strategize and negotiate to come out on top. The game objective is to accumulate the most victory points by the end of the game, which typically lasts around 120 minutes.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging gameplay that requires strategic thinking and negotiation skills.

Historical theme that immerses players in the Age of Exploration.

Variety of gameplay mechanics keeps the game exciting and dynamic.

Cons:

Can be complex and overwhelming for newer players.

Lengthy runtime may not be suitable for players looking for a quick game.

Limited player count may not accommodate larger gaming groups.

Personal Thoughts on Colonial: Europe’s Empires Overseas

Colonial: Europe’s Empires Overseas is a well-designed board game that offers a deep and immersive experience for players interested in history and strategy. The game’s components are of high quality, and the artwork adds to the overall theme and atmosphere of the game. However, the game’s complexity and lengthy runtime may not appeal to casual gamers or those looking for a quick, light-hearted experience.

In terms of pricing and availability, Colonial: Europe’s Empires Overseas can be found in both new and used condition. While the game may not be the best choice for every gaming group, it is worth considering for players who enjoy civilization-building, economic strategy, and negotiation mechanics. Fans of similar games like “Puerto Rico” or “7 Wonders” may find Colonial: Europe’s Empires Overseas to be a worthwhile addition to their collection. Ultimately, whether or not the game is worth your time will depend on your preferences for gameplay depth, historical themes, and player count.

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