Greenland (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Greenland is a board game released in 2014 by designer Phil Eklund and published by Sierra Madre Games. It is a card game set in medieval times, focusing on economic aspects, negotiation, and worker placement. The game is designed for 1-3 players and has a runtime of 60-120 minutes. Players take on the roles of different tribes in Greenland, aiming to survive and thrive in a harsh environment.

Game Components of Greenland

Tokens

Event cards

Biome cards

Tribal placard and cards

Tribesmen

Starting disk

Elder boards

Custom meeples

Sea Sami expansion pack (in the 3rd edition).

How To Setup Greenland

To set up the game, each player selects a tribe and receives the corresponding tribal placard, cards, and starting disk. Each player starts with a set of tribesmen and resources. The event cards, biome cards, and other components are placed within reach of all players. The game is organized into six phases, which will guide the setup and subsequent gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Phased Gameplay: The game is divided into six phases per turn, each representing a generation.
– Resolve events: Includes elder deaths, animal migrations, feuds, global cooling, and trade ship arrivals.
– Assign hunters: Hunters can be assigned to hunting grounds, resource gathering, colonizing the New World, raiding other tribes, or promotion to an elder.
– Negotiate: Players can bribe others or use War Chief Elders to attack.

Resource Management: Manage food, resources, and technology to support the tribe.

Area Control: Colonize the New World and protect your territory.

Objective: Secure victory points by increasing the size of your tribe, supporting children, elders, and livestock, and managing resources effectively.

Player Experience

In **Greenland**, players are immersed in a historical and challenging environment where survival and strategy are crucial. The game requires careful planning and negotiation, as players must manage their resources, protect their tribe, and expand their territory. The game’s dynamic phases and event cards introduce unpredictability, making each game unique and engaging.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game is set in a pivotal moment of human history, making it appealing to history enthusiasts.

Complex Strategy: Offers rich gameplay with multiple layers of strategy.

Replayability: The event cards and phased gameplay ensure high replayability.

Engaging Mechanics: Includes negotiation, area control, and resource management.

Cons

Complexity: With a complexity rating of 3.60, it may not be suitable for casual gamers.

Length: Games can be lengthy due to the intricate strategies and multiple phases.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires time to understand the rules and mechanics fully.

Personal Thoughts on Greenland

**Greenland** is perfect for history enthusiasts and strategy gamers who appreciate a deep, complex game. It is not for the faint of heart or those looking for a quick, casual game. If you enjoy games that challenge your strategic thinking and offer a rich historical context, **Greenland** is an excellent choice. However, it may not be the best fit for new or casual board game players due to its complexity and length.

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