Curators (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Curators is a board game released in 2021 that challenges players to take on the role of museum curators competing to create the most prestigious collection. Designed by Emilie Vaccarini Francis and Niklas Wallén, the game combines elements of pattern building, set collection, and tile placement to create a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Curators

Player boards: Each player has a starting board to build their museum.

Wing tiles: Polyomino tiles used to expand the museum.

Employee tokens: Five chips representing different employees (Carpenter, Archaeologist, Collection Manager, Restorer, Financial Manager).

Object tokens: Artifacts to be collected and displayed.

Contract cards: Hidden contracts requiring specific arrangements of museum wings and objects.

Visitor tokens: Representing visitors attracted to the museum.

Money: Used for purchasing wings and other expenses.

How To Setup Curators

To set up the game, each player starts with a player board and two hidden contract cards. The wing tiles are laid out in a spiral pattern, with the outermost tiles being free and subsequent tiles increasing in cost. The employee tokens and object tokens are placed within reach of all players. Each player begins with a set amount of money.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Selection: Players use employee tokens to perform specific actions such as building museum wings (Carpenter), acquiring objects (Archaeologist and Collection Manager), placing objects in the museum (Restorer), and managing finances (Financial Manager).

Tile Placement: Players add wing tiles to their museum, following the constraints of the spiral layout and color matching.

Contract Fulfillment: Completing contracts by arranging wings and objects in specific patterns and colors.

Visitor Management: Attracting visitors by completing museum wings, which also generates revenue.

Objective: The game ends when the last wing tile is taken. Players score points for completed contracts, filled museum wings, displayed objects, and remaining money. The player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Curators** feels like a casual Sunday stroll through a museum, where players focus on strategic planning rather than intense competition. The game is highly accessible, with straightforward rules and a relatively quick playtime of 45-75 minutes. The action selection mechanism is engaging, allowing for double actions if a player has two of the same employee tokens. The solo mode is also well-regarded, offering a unique and challenging puzzle to solve.

Pros

Accessible Gameplay: Easy to learn and play, making it a great introduction to Euro games.

Engaging Action Selection: The double-sided employee tokens create interesting decision spaces.

Good Solo Mode: The solo mode is challenging and fun, with its own set of missions.

Polished Experience: Well-presented components and a smooth gameplay experience.

Cons

Limited Interaction: Minimal player interaction, which may not appeal to those seeking more competitive games.

Too Smooth: The game can feel too straightforward and lacking in tension.

Not Highly Complex: While this is a pro for some, it may not satisfy players looking for deeper, more complex gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Curators

**Curators** is ideal for those who enjoy lighter Euro games with a strong focus on planning and puzzle-solving. It is a great next step for players looking to move beyond introductory games and is particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more relaxed, strategic experience. The game’s unique setting and mechanics make it a refreshing addition to any game collection, especially for fans of tile-laying and contract fulfillment games.

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