Gondola (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Gondola is a board game released in 2017 that is designed by Alyssa Faden and Alan Pollack, with artwork by Big Kid Games. The game falls under the categories of Nautical, Racing, and Sports, and incorporates gameplay mechanics such as Network and Route Building, Race, and Tile Placement. With a runtime of 30-60 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above, Gondola offers a unique gaming experience centered around navigating gondolas through a network of canals.

Game Components of Gondola

Tiles representing the canal and checkpoints

Gondola pieces for each player

Checkpoint tokens

Player boards

Rulebook

How To Setup Gondola

To set up Gondola, players start by creating the canal maze by laying tiles. Each player chooses a gondola piece and places it at the starting point. The checkpoints are distributed randomly throughout the maze. Players receive their player boards and any necessary tokens. The game is ready to begin once all components are in place and the starting tile is laid.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Laying: Players build the canal maze by placing tiles.

Racing Mechanic: Players navigate their gondolas through the maze to be the first to pass through five checkpoints.

Strategic Placement: Players must strategically place tiles to both advance their own gondola and hinder their opponents.

Objective: The goal is to be the first player to pass through all five checkpoints.

Player Experience

In Gondola, players immerse themselves in a competitive and strategic environment. The game requires a balance of short-term and long-term planning, as players need to navigate the ever-changing canal maze while blocking their opponents. The racing element adds a thrilling layer of urgency, making each move critical.

Pros

Engaging Racing Mechanic: The racing aspect adds excitement and competition.

Strategic Depth: The tile-laying mechanism offers a lot of strategic possibilities.

Beautiful Artwork: The game features unique and visually appealing artwork by Alan Pollack and Alyssa Faden.

Variable Setup: Each game is different due to the random placement of tiles and checkpoints.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game may take some time for new players to understand the strategic nuances.

Luck Factor: The random placement of tiles and checkpoints can introduce an element of luck.

Component Quality: Some players might find the quality of certain components to be less than expected.

Personal Thoughts on Gondola

Gondola is perfect for fans of tile-laying games and those who enjoy a mix of strategy and competition. Designed by Jim Pinto and published by Big Kid Games, it is suitable for 2-5 players and is recommended for those aged 8 and above. This game is ideal for families or casual gaming groups looking for a fun and engaging experience that lasts about 30-60 minutes. If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy, competition, and a touch of luck, Gondola is an excellent choice.

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