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Favelas (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Favelas is a board game released in 2017, designed by Chris Bryan and illustrated by Kwanchai Moriya. The game is published by 17wanzy (Yihu BG) and falls under the puzzle category, featuring area majority/influence and tile placement as its main gameplay mechanisms. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 14 and above, and has a runtime of 30-45 minutes.

Game Components of Favelas

  • 4 starter boards
  • Tiles for building and beautification
  • Tokens for scoring and tracking
  • Council notes that alter color values

    How To Setup Favelas

    To set up the game, each player selects a starter board, which represents their portion of the favela. The tiles and tokens are placed within reach of all players. The council notes, which will change the scoring dynamics, are shuffled and prepared for use during the game. The game is divided into three rounds, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Tile-Laying:** Players place tiles to build and beautify their favela.
  • Area Control:** Players aim to control areas with high-scoring colors.
  • Variable Player Powers:** Council notes change the value of colors, affecting scoring.
  • Objective:** To accumulate the most points by strategically placing tiles and adapting to the changing color values.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Favelas** is a dynamic and engaging experience, as players must constantly adjust their strategies based on the council notes that alter the scoring landscape. The game is relatively fast-paced, lasting about 30-45 minutes, making it suitable for players who enjoy quick, strategic games. The ever-changing board and scoring states keep players on their toes, making each round exciting and unpredictable.

    Pros

  • Fast-Paced:** The game is quick, lasting only 30-45 minutes.
  • Strategic Depth:** Constantly changing council notes add complexity and challenge.
  • Visual Appeal:** The game’s theme of beautifying favelas is unique and visually engaging.
  • Interactive:** Players need to watch their opponents’ moves closely.

    Cons

  • Fickle Scoring:** The constant changes in color values can be frustrating.
  • Limited Player Count:** Designed for 2-4 players, which might limit larger groups.
  • Complex Setup:** The setup process, while not overly complex, requires careful attention to the council notes and tile distribution.

    Personal Thoughts on Favelas

    **Favelas** is ideal for fans of Euro-style games and those who enjoy tile-laying mechanics with a twist. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate strategic games with a high level of interaction and adaptability. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with stable rules or those who are easily frustrated by frequent changes in scoring dynamics. Overall, **Favelas** offers a unique and engaging gaming experience that challenges and rewards strategic thinking.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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