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Formosa Tea (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Formosa Tea is a board game released in 2019 by Soso Studio. Designed by Chu-Lan Kao and illustrated by Sammixyz and Huang Yu Wen, this game is set in the world of farming and industry, specifically focusing on the tea industry in Taiwan, previously known as Formosa. Players take on the roles of tea plantation owners, competing to produce the highest quality tea and build successful businesses.

Game Components of Formosa Tea

  • Tea cubes** of various colors
  • Worker tokens**
  • Tea factory tracks**
  • Domestic and international market tracks**
  • Weather tiles**
  • Event cards** representing historical events in Taiwan
  • Tea Tree cards** and **tokens** (from the Tea Leaf mini-expansion)
  • Domestic Market tiles** (from the Tea Leaf mini-expansion)
  • Player boards**
  • Merchant cards**

    How To Setup Formosa Tea

    To set up Formosa Tea, begin by placing the main board in the center of the playing area. Each player selects a player board and places their worker tokens on it. Shuffle and deal the event cards, placing one at the start of each round. Set up the tea plantations with the corresponding water level tiles and tea cubes. Prepare the tea factory tracks, domestic and international market tracks, and merchant cards according to the game rules.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Worker Placement:** Send workers to harvest tea leaves, process tea, sell tea in the domestic market, or sell tea to international merchants.
  • Tea Processing:** Move tea cubes to the tea factory, dehydrate and scent them based on the tea processing track.
  • Market Sales:** Sell tea in the domestic or international markets to earn prestige points and bonuses.
  • Worker Advancement:** Advance workers on the tea processing tracks to gain additional actions and bonuses.
  • Event Resolution:** Resolve historical event cards at the end of each round.
  • Objective:** The player with the most prestige points after four rounds wins.

    Player Experience

    Formosa Tea offers a complex yet satisfying experience, requiring players to plan ahead and manage their workers efficiently. The game is highly thematic, with each action closely tied to the process of tea production and sales. Players must balance harvesting high-quality tea leaves, processing them optimally, and timing their sales to maximize their points. The inclusion of historical event cards adds an educational element, making the game both engaging and informative.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** Multiple layers of strategy with worker placement, tea processing, and market sales.
  • Thematic Immersion:** Strong theme that immerses players in the world of tea production.
  • Replayability:** High replayability due to variable setup and multiple paths to victory.
  • Educational:** Incorporates historical events, making the game educational as well as fun.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** Can be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous mechanics and strategies.
  • Length:** Games can take 90 minutes or more, which may deter players looking for quicker experiences.
  • Worker Management:** Managing workers effectively is crucial but can be challenging, especially for beginners.

    Personal Thoughts on Formosa Tea

    Formosa Tea is ideal for fans of worker placement games and those who appreciate complex, strategic gameplay. It is suited for players who enjoy managing multiple tasks and resources, and who are interested in learning about the history of tea production in Taiwan. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game players due to its complexity, experienced players will find it challenging and rewarding.

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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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