Conquest of Paradise (2007) Board Game

Conquest of Paradise is a board game released in 2007 that focuses on exploration and civilization building. Designed by Herb Kane, Rodger B. MacGowan, Leland Myrick, and Mark Simonitch, this game is set in the Age of Exploration, where players take on the role of different civilizations navigating the seas to discover new lands and establish colonies.

Game Components of Conquest of Paradise

Game board featuring the Polynesian Islands

Player pieces including Warrior Bands, War Canoes, Transport Canoes, and Local Warriors

Village pieces

Island Group tiles

Battle markers

Rumor cards

Cultural innovation cards (e.g., tattooing, hula dancing, surfing, and moai statues)

Dice for resolving battles

How To Setup Conquest of Paradise

Setting up Conquest of Paradise involves each player selecting a Home Island Group and placing their starting pieces. Players distribute their Warrior Bands, War Canoes, and Transport Canoes according to the game rules. Island Group tiles are placed on the board, and each player starts with a set of Rumor cards and cultural innovation cards. The game requires a strategic initial placement to ensure a strong start in the Polynesian maritime empire-building journey.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Exploration: Players explore new islands and expand their empire.

Resource Management: Managing resources to build and maintain Warrior Bands, War Canoes, and Transport Canoes.

Battle Resolution: Resolving battles using dice rolls, where outcomes include removing or panicking battle pieces.

Cultural Innovations: Investing in cultural innovations to gain advantages.

Empire Building: The objective is to build and control the most extensive and prosperous Polynesian empire.

Player Experience

Conquest of Paradise offers a dynamic and strategic player experience, blending elements of exploration, resource management, and conflict. Players must balance the expansion of their empire with the need to defend their existing territories. The game requires a mix of short-term tactical decisions and long-term strategic planning, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.

Thematic Immersion: Strongly themed around Polynesian history and culture.

Replayability: High replayability due to variable island placements and different cultural innovations.

Historical Accuracy: Well-researched historical context adds to the game’s authenticity.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous rules and mechanics.

Lengthy Setup: Setting up the game can take some time.

Luck Factor: Dice rolls introduce an element of luck that can affect battle outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Conquest of Paradise

Conquest of Paradise is ideal for players who enjoy 4x-style games (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) and are fascinated by historical simulations. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games like New World, Civilization, and Conquistador. The game’s blend of strategy, resource management, and cultural innovations makes it a compelling choice for experienced board game enthusiasts looking to delve into the world of Polynesian empire building. However, due to its complexity, it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game players.

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