Discovery: The Era of Voyage (2015) Board Game

Discovery: The Era of Voyage is a board game that was released in 2015 by A.I. Lab. It is set in a medieval nautical theme, where players take on the role of explorers navigating the seas to discover new lands and trade routes. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a runtime of 30-45 minutes and is suitable for ages 8 and up.

Game Components of Discovery: The Era of Voyage

Game board

Island Cards

Investment Markers

Ship Markers

Coins and resources

Rulebook

How To Setup Discovery: The Era of Voyage

Setting up the game is relatively straightforward. Players start by placing the game board, which features a Central Island and several outer islands. Each player chooses a ship marker and places it on the Central Island. The Island Cards are shuffled and placed face down on their designated spaces on the board. Each player receives an initial amount of coins and resources. The game also includes optional rules for a two-player variant, which involves placing pirate markers on unoccupied islands to add an extra layer of challenge.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players: 2-4

Playtime: 30-45 minutes

Mechanics: Area Majority / Influence, Modular Board, Pick-up and Deliver

Objective: Players take on the roles of ship captains aiming to gain influence and victory points by discovering and investing in islands.
– Move to/from the Central Island or around the outer islands
– Gain effects and resources based on investment in islands
– Pay coins to other players when landing on occupied islands
– Invest in islands to build infrastructure and gain more effects
– Block other players from investing in an island by placing three Investment Markers

Player Experience

In Discovery: The Era of Voyage, players navigate the seas, discovering new islands and investing in them to build influence. The game is characterized by its straightforward setup and rules, making it accessible even to younger players. However, it still offers enough depth with its investment and resource management mechanics to keep players engaged. The dynamic of paying coins to other players on occupied islands adds a social interaction element, while the ability to block investments adds a strategic layer.

Pros

Easy Setup: The game is relatively easy to set up and teach.

Accessible Rules: Simple enough for younger players but still engaging.

Strategic Depth: Investment and resource management add depth to the gameplay.

Great Artwork: The game features attractive and thematic artwork.

Optional Rules: The two-player variant adds a new level of challenge.

Cons

Footprint: Some players might find the game’s components and board take up more space than desired.

Euro-Game Feel: It may not appeal to those who prefer more complex or thematic games.

Limited Designer Information: The game lacks credited designers, which might be a point of interest for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Discovery: The Era of Voyage

Discovery: The Era of Voyage is a great choice for those looking for a light to medium-weight economic game with a nautical theme. It is particularly suited for families or casual gamers who enjoy pick-up and deliver mechanics and area influence strategies. The game’s focus on exploration and discovery rather than colonization is a refreshing touch. If you’re into rondels or enjoy navigating the seas in a board game, this is definitely worth checking out. However, if you prefer more complex or heavily thematic games, you might find this one a bit too simplistic.

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