Expo 1906 (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Expo 1906 is a board game that takes players back in time to the 1906 Milan International Exposition, also known as the World’s Fair. This event showcased the latest advancements in industry and manufacturing, making it a fitting theme for this game. Players take on the role of entrepreneurs looking to showcase their own inventions and goods at the expo.

Game Components of Expo 1906

1 Game Board

4 Personal Lab Boards

20 Player tokens (4 colors)

13 Technology tiles

30 Project tiles

96 Resource tiles

20 Scrap tiles

16 Jury tiles

4 play order / +30 VP tiles

24 Action Cards

5 enhanced Action Cards

6 Bonus VP chits

1 English rulebook

How To Setup Expo 1906

To set up Expo 1906, each player selects a set of player tokens and a Personal Lab Board. The main game board is placed in the center, and the various tiles (Technology, Project, Resource, Scrap, and Jury) are shuffled and placed according to their designated areas on the board. Each player starts with a set of Action Cards and a specific amount of funds. The game is ready to begin once all components are distributed and the board is set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Queue: Players take turns playing Action Cards to perform various actions.

Tile Placement: Players must place Resource and Technology tiles in their Laboratory to complete Projects.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most Prestige Points by completing Projects, which represent historical inventions from the early 20th century.

Actions:

Academy and Train: Obtain Resources, Technology, and Project tiles.

Laboratory: Place tiles in the Laboratory to complete Projects.

Skyscraper: Gain funds to support Projects.

Journal: Move markers on the Patents Office tracks to gain bonuses and Prestige Points.

Game End: The game ends after 10 rounds or when specific end conditions are triggered. The player with the most Prestige Points wins.

Player Experience

Players are immersed in a strategic and puzzle-solving experience as they manage their Laboratory, acquire Resources and Technologies, and complete Projects. The game requires careful planning and spatial reasoning to fit the tiles into the limited space of the Laboratory. The dynamic of competing to exhibit the most impressive technological advancements at the 1906 Universal Exposition adds a layer of excitement and challenge.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Combines strategy and puzzle-solving, offering a rich and engaging gameplay experience.

Historical Theme: Set in the context of the 1906 Universal Exposition, adding a unique historical flair.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and variable setup ensure high replayability.

Player Interaction: Players compete directly through the exhibition of technological advancements.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate mechanics and tile placement puzzles.

Length: Games can be quite long, lasting up to 90 minutes.

Limited Space: Managing the Laboratory space can become frustratingly complex.

Personal Thoughts on Expo 1906

Expo 1906 is ideal for players who enjoy strategic board games with a strong puzzle-solving element. It is perfect for those who appreciate games with deep mechanics and historical themes. However, due to its complexity and length, it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game enthusiasts. For fans of games like Azul or Terraforming Mars, Expo 1906 offers a similarly engaging and challenging experience.

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