Jamaica (2007) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Jamaica is a board game that was released in 2007 and designed by Malcolm Braff, Bruno Cathala, and Sébastien Pauchon. It is a nautical-themed game set in the Caribbean during the age of piracy. Players take on the roles of pirates racing around the island of Jamaica to collect treasure and outmaneuver their opponents.

Game Components of Jamaica

Game board depicting the island of Jamaica

66 cards

12 treasure tokens

6 pirate ships

6 wooden markers

2 dice

How To Setup Jamaica

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the cards and place them face down in a stack.

Place the treasure tokens on their designated spaces on the board.

Each player selects a color and takes the corresponding ship and marker.

Roll the dice to determine starting positions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Jamaica, players take turns rolling dice and moving their ships around the island, collecting treasures and engaging in battles with other players. The objective is to be the pirate with the most gold at the end of the game. Players can use cards to influence their movement and combat outcomes, adding a strategic element to the game.

Player Experience

Pros

Beautiful artwork and components

Easy to learn and teach

Fun and interactive gameplay with a mix of luck and strategy

Cons

Can be heavily reliant on luck, especially with dice rolls

Player interaction can lead to take-that moments that some may find frustrating

Personal Thoughts on Jamaica

Jamaica is a visually stunning game with solid gameplay mechanics that offer a good balance of luck and strategy. The nautical and pirate theme is engaging and immersive, making it a hit with players who enjoy thematic games. The build quality of the components is top-notch, adding to the overall experience.

In terms of pricing and availability, Jamaica is reasonably priced for the amount of entertainment it provides. Both new and used copies can be found online, making it accessible to a wide range of players. As for alternatives, games like Merchants & Marauders and Black Fleet offer similar nautical and pirate-themed gameplay experiences.

Overall, Jamaica is definitely worth your time if you enjoy thematic board games with a mix of luck and strategy. It’s suitable for players ages 8 and up, making it a great choice for families and casual gamers. However, those who prefer games with minimal luck elements may want to skip this one.

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