Expeditions: Around the World (1996) Board Game

Expeditions: Around the World is a board game designed by Wolfgang Kramer and published by AMIGO in in 1996. The game takes players on a journey around the world, focusing on adventure, exploration, and transportation. With a mix of strategy and luck, players must race against each other to complete expeditions and be the first to return home.

Game Components of Expeditions: Around the World

Map Board: The central game board featuring a world map.

80 Expedition Cards: Detailed cards representing various destinations, each with fascinating facts.

135 Arrows: Plastic arrows in three colors (red, yellow, and blue) to track expeditions.

40 Tickets: Used to influence expeditions and reach secret destinations.

30 Tokens: For scoring and tracking progress.

4 Player Aids: To help players keep track of their strategies and scores.

How To Setup Expeditions: Around the World

To set up the game, players start by placing the map board in the middle of the playing area. Each player is dealt a starting hand of 12 cards, which can be sorted by region for easier management. The expedition arrows, tickets, and tokens are distributed according to the game’s rules. The game includes two cardboard stands, though their purpose is not clearly explained in the instructions, they can be used to prop up common objective or destination cards for all players to see.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Connections: Players connect destinations on the map.

Contracts: Players use tickets to influence expeditions.

Race: A competitive element where players aim to reach destinations first.

Track Movement: Using arrows to mark the progress of expeditions.

Objective: The goal is to influence expeditions to reach as many secret destinations as possible, shaping courses and scoring victory points.

Player Experience

Expeditions: Around the World offers a thrilling race around the globe, where players discover extraordinary destinations, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and encounter exotic wildlife. The game is suitable for both kids and adults, encouraging teamwork and strategic thinking. The rules are easy to grasp, making it accessible for younger players while still engaging enough for adults. The colorful game board and engaging challenges keep everyone entertained and educate younger players about the world.

Pros

Educational: Teaches fascinating facts about real-world locations.

Strategic Gameplay: Engages players in influencing expeditions and scoring strategies.

Stunning Artwork: Detailed and fantastic artwork on each location card.

Replayability: Offers hours of gameplay with multiple expeditions and secret objectives.

Family Friendly: Suitable for kids and adults, promoting teamwork and strategic thinking.

Cons

Card Management: Dealing with a large starting hand of cards can be overwhelming.

Storage Issues: Comes with plastic bags for storage instead of a customized insert.

Unclear Instructions: Certain components, like the cardboard stands, are not explained in the instructions.

Personal Thoughts on Expeditions: Around the World

Expeditions: Around the World is an excellent choice for family game nights or gatherings with friends. It strikes a perfect balance between fun and education, making it ideal for families with children aged 8 and above. The game’s ability to foster teamwork and strategic thinking, coupled with its engaging and educational content, makes it a valuable addition to any board game collection. However, players should be prepared to manage a substantial number of cards and adapt to some minor inconsistencies in the instructions. Overall, it is a delightful and enriching gaming experience that sparks curiosity about the world.

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