Islas Canarias (2009) Board Game

Islas Canarias, released in 2009, is a board game designed by Matthias Catrein. The game is set in the Canary Islands, known for their beautiful landscapes and rich history. Players take on the role of settlers, pirates, and merchants competing to control the islands and establish their dominance.

Game Components of Islas Canarias

Game board depicting the Canary Islands

Player pieces representing settlers, pirates, and merchants

Resource cards for trading and building

Victory point tokens

Event cards that can affect gameplay

How To Setup Islas Canarias

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player selects a color and takes their corresponding pieces.

Shuffle the resource cards and place them face down.

Place the victory point tokens in a pile within reach of all players.

Shuffle the event cards and place them face down.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns performing actions such as exploring new territories, building settlements, and trading resources. The objective is to earn the most victory points by controlling territories, completing objectives, and acquiring resources.

Player Experience

Pros

Engaging theme of exploration and conquest in the Canary Islands

Strategic depth with multiple ways to earn victory points

Replayability with different strategies to try out

Cons

Limited player interaction, as most actions are taken independently

Some luck involved with drawing event cards that can sway the game

Personal Thoughts on Islas Canarias

Islas Canarias offers a unique take on civilization-building games, focusing on the lesser-known setting of the Canary Islands. The game’s components are well-made, with detailed player pieces and a colorful game board. However, the lack of player interaction may deter some players looking for a more competitive experience.

In terms of pricing and availability, Islas Canarias may be harder to find as it was released in in 2009. However, it can still be purchased on online marketplaces for both new and used copies. As for alternatives, players interested in similar games may enjoy titles like Catan or Puerto Rico.

Overall, Islas Canarias is worth a try for players who appreciate historical themes and strategic gameplay. It may not be suitable for those seeking intense player interaction, but it offers a relaxing and immersive experience for those who enjoy exploring new territories and building civilizations.

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