Congo: Adventures in the Heart of Africa (2016) Board Game

Congo: Adventures in the Heart of Africa is a board game that was released in in 2016. Designed by Fred Machu and illustrated by Studio Tomahawk, the game is set in the heart of Africa during the 19th century. Players take on the roles of explorers, missionaries, and adventurers as they journey through the wilderness, encountering dangers and discovering treasures along the way.

Game Components of Congo: Adventures in the Heart of Africa

Rulebook: A 108-page hardcover book detailing the rules, cultures, and adventures.

Miniatures: Players need to acquire miniatures separately, with starter sets available for each of the four factions: White Men Expeditions, the Sultanate of Zanzibar, the Forest Tribes, and the African Kingdoms.

Deck of Cards: A set of activation cards and totem cards that add special abilities and twists to the game.

Punchboard: Includes tokens and measuring sticks necessary for gameplay.

Adventures: 8 scripted adventures presented as articles from “Le Bulletin de la Société Géographique”.

Dangerous Terrain Sheet: A double-sided sheet representing various hazardous terrains.

Dice: Players must provide D6, D8, and D10 dice.

How To Setup Congo: Adventures in the Heart of Africa

To set up the game, players first assemble their columns, each consisting of around 20-30 miniatures, depending on the faction and the specific adventure. The gaming area is relatively small, requiring a surface of about 120cm x 90cm. Players lay out the terrain, place their miniatures, and prepare the necessary cards and tokens. Each adventure comes with its own unique setup and objectives, detailed in the “Le Bulletin de la Société Géographique” sheets.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Activation Cards: Used to manage unit activations and add unexpected twists to the game.

Totem Cards: Grant special abilities to units.

Dice Rolls: Use D6, D8, and D10 dice to determine unit abilities and outcomes.

Psychological Warfare: Mechanisms to influence the mental state of enemies, causing fear or flight.

Objective: Varies by adventure but generally involves completing specific tasks such as rescuing a princess, discovering the source of the Congo river, or surviving treacherous terrain.

Player Experience

Playing **Congo: Adventures in the Heart of Africa** immerses players in the dangerous and enchanted world of late 19th-century Africa. The game combines tactical decision-making with the unpredictability of adventure, making each game highly replayable. The activation and totem card systems add a layer of strategy and surprise, while the psychological warfare mechanics enhance the tension and realism of the game. The small unit sizes and focused game area make it accessible and engaging, even for those new to miniature wargaming.

Pros

High Replayability: Adventures have multiple approaches and strategies, ensuring varied gameplay.

Immersive Setting: Fantasized Africa setting with rich narratives and challenging terrain.

Tactical Depth: Combination of activation cards, totem cards, and dice rolls provides a engaging and strategic experience.

Accessible: Small gaming area and manageable unit sizes make it easy to set up and play.

Cons

Markers and Tokens: The need for numerous markers and tokens can clutter the gaming table.

Additional Costs: Players must purchase miniatures and dice separately, which can add to the overall cost.

Personal Thoughts on Congo: Adventures in the Heart of Africa

**Congo: Adventures in the Heart of Africa** is ideal for those who enjoy skirmish games, adventure games, and historical settings with a touch of fantasy. It is particularly suited for players looking for a game that combines strategy, narrative depth, and high replayability. While it may require some additional investment in miniatures and dice, the game’s unique mechanics and immersive setting make it a worthwhile addition to any wargamer’s collection.

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