Colonialism: Expanded 2nd edition (2019) Board Game

Colonialism: Expanded 2nd edition is a board game that delves into the complex world of colonialism, focusing on the post-Napoleonic era. Designed by Harald Lieske and published by Compass Games, this game challenges players to navigate political and economic landscapes as they compete for control and influence over colonies.

Game Components of Colonialism: Expanded 2nd edition

Influence Cards: Each player has a deck of 24 identical influence cards, with 7 of these cards being unique to each player’s strategy.

Upgrade Cards: The expanded edition includes six new cards, five of which are Upgrade cards.

Influence Discs: Players use these to mark their influence on the board.

Ships: For naval movements and exploration.

Region Tiles: Representing various areas to be explored and influenced.

How To Setup Colonialism: Expanded 2nd edition

Setting up the game involves distributing the influence cards to each player, placing the region tiles on the board, and setting up the initial influence discs. Each player starts with a predefined set of influence cards and discs. The game board is prepared by arranging the region tiles, which represent different areas that players will explore and influence.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Rounds: Players take turns performing one of several actions: drawing 3 cards, moving a ship, withdrawing influence discs, exploring a region, or playing an influence card from their hand.

Influence Management: Players must strategically use their influence cards to gain control over regions.

Exploration: Expanding into new regions to spread influence.

Upgrade Mechanics: Using Upgrade cards to enhance their abilities and influence.

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most influence points by controlling regions and managing your influence cards effectively.

Player Experience

Playing **Colonialism: Expanded 2nd edition** offers a immersive experience where players must balance short-term and long-term strategies. The game requires careful planning and tactical execution, as players need to manage their influence cards, explore new regions, and upgrade their abilities. The identical decks for all players ensure a level playing field, making the game more about strategy and less about luck.

Pros

Deep Strategy: The game offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.

Replayability: With multiple paths to victory and the need for adaptive strategies, the game is highly replayable.

Historical Context: Provides a unique perspective on colonial-era politics and expansion.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be overwhelming for new players due to its intricate mechanics.

Length: Games can be quite long, requiring a significant time commitment.

Learning Curve: The rules and strategies take time to master.

Personal Thoughts on Colonialism: Expanded 2nd edition

**Colonialism: Expanded 2nd edition** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategic gameplay and historical themes. The game’s complexity and depth make it less suitable for casual players or those new to board games. It is a great addition to any serious board game collection, offering a challenging and engaging experience that will appeal to fans of wargames and strategy games.

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