Conquistador: The Age of Exploration – 1495-1600 (1976) Board Game

Conquistador: The Age of Exploration – 1495-1600 is a board game released in 1976 that allows players to relive the era of European exploration and conquest of the Americas. Designed by Kenn Nishiuye and Redmond A. Simonsen, this game simulates the challenges and opportunities faced by explorers and conquerors during this pivotal period in history.

Game Components of Conquistador: The Age of Exploration – 1495-1600

Map: 22″ x 32″ hex grid of North & South America.

Counters: 200 die-cut counters in the SPI version, representing soldiers, colonists, missionaries, ships, and gold bars, among others. The Avalon Hill edition includes 520 counters.

Rules Booklet: 12-page rules booklet.

Dice: Two six-sided dice in the boxed SPI set and the Avalon Hill edition.

Discovery Table: List of exploration goals with corresponding Victory Points.

How To Setup Conquistador: The Age of Exploration – 1495-1600

Setting up the game involves laying out the map, distributing the counters according to the rules, and determining the starting player. Each player selects a European country and sets up their initial forces and resources. The game starts in 1495, with each turn representing a five-year period.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Royal Council Phase: Plan expeditions, purchase materials, and determine the order of play.

Initial Naval Phase: Move expeditions to and from the New World, engage in naval combat, and check for attrition.

Land Phase: Discover gold, move and combat land units, combat with natives, and collect resources.

Final Naval Phase: Move expeditions back to Europe, check for attrition, and credit discoveries.

Maintenance Phase: Pay for units to be kept in play for the next turn.

Objective: Accumulate Victory Points by controlling areas, accumulating wealth, and achieving exploration goals listed in the Discovery Table.

Player Experience

Playing **Conquistador** is a complex and strategic experience that combines elements of exploration, resource management, and area control. Players need to balance the risks of sea travel, the hostility of native inhabitants, and the competition from other European powers. The game offers a rich historical context, making it engaging for history buffs and strategy enthusiasts alike.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game accurately simulates the era of exploration, providing a detailed historical context.

Strategic Complexity: Multiple phases and layers of strategy make the game highly engaging.

Replayability: Different countries and random events ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Educational: Players learn about the challenges and achievements of the Age of Exploration.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its detailed rules and multiple phases.

Counter Shortage: The original SPI version had a limited number of counters, which could lead to shortages during gameplay.

Long Playtime: The game spans 22 turns, each representing five years, making it a time-consuming experience.

Personal Thoughts on Conquistador: The Age of Exploration – 1495-1600

This game is ideal for fans of historical simulations, strategy enthusiasts, and those who enjoy complex, immersive board games. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time and effort to master its mechanics. **Conquistador** is a classic game that stands as a testament to the innovative game design of the 1970s, making it a must-play for serious board game collectors and historians.

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