Board game cover for "Key Largo" featuring cartoon divers exploring an underwater scene with sunken treasures, colorful marine life, and a prominent diver in the foreground. Text on the cover reads, "A family board game of sun, sand, and salvage!" by Paul Randles, with Mike Selinker and Bruno Faidutti.
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Key Largo (2005)

ByMichail

Key Largo

“Key Largo” is a board game designed by Paul Randles, Mike Selinker, and Bruno Faidutti, published in 2005 by Tilsit Editions and in 2008 by Paizo Publishing. The game takes place in 1899 in the Key Largo area of Florida, where treasure-hunting companies seek gold and artifacts from shipwrecks before the hurricane season. The players hire divers, buy equipment, and search wrecks throughout the game. The game has a simultaneous action sequence, allowing players to choose locations for their ships to go twice per day, in the course of a ten-day game sequence. It is considered a thematic sequel to Randles’ game “Pirate’s Cove”.

Why is Key Largo Popular?

Key Largo is a popular board game because it:
– Transports players to the Florida Keys in the late 19th century, allowing them to experience the thrill of treasure hunting in shipwrecks.
– Combines strategy, competition, and cooperation among players as they hire divers, buy equipment, and search for treasures.
– Features a unique simultaneous action sequence, which adds an exciting element of timing and planning to the gameplay.

Game Components of Key Largo

  • Board:** 5-piece board representing the Caribbean island
  • Cards:** 130 cards in two sealed decks
  • Tokens:** 15 diver tokens and 40 diving equipment items (unpunched)
  • Play Money:** Included for transactions
  • Sailboat Pawns:** 5 plastic sailboat pawns
  • Instructions:** Original instructions in French and printed English instructions
  • Box Liner:** Plastic box liner to keep components organized.

    How To Setup Key Largo

    To set up Key Largo, players first need to assemble the 5-piece board, which represents the island and its surrounding waters. Each player selects a sailboat pawn and places it on the starting location. The 130 cards are divided into two decks and placed within reach of all players. The diver tokens, diving equipment items, and play money are distributed or made available as needed. Players should also familiarize themselves with the instructions, which outline the game’s sequence and rules.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Simultaneous Action Sequence:** Players choose locations for their ships twice per day.
  • Treasure Hunting:** Hire divers, buy equipment, and search shipwrecks for treasure.
  • Time Constraint:** The game spans ten days before Hurricane Katty hits.
  • Economic Transactions:** Sell treasures to island denizens for maximum profit.
  • Strategic Planning:** Balance resource management with the urgency of the impending hurricane.

    Player Experience

    In Key Largo, players are immersed in a high-stakes adventure set in the late 19th century. The game requires strategic planning, resource management, and a bit of luck. Players must navigate the challenges of treasure hunting while racing against time as the hurricane approaches. The simultaneous action sequence adds a layer of complexity and interaction among players, making each game unique and engaging.

    Pros

  • Engaging Theme:** The game’s setting and theme of treasure hunting are highly engaging.
  • Strategic Depth:** Offers a good balance of strategy and luck.
  • Interactive Gameplay:** Simultaneous action sequence encourages player interaction.
  • Variety:** Different shipwrecks and treasures ensure varied gameplay experiences.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup:** Assembling the board and understanding the rules can be time-consuming.
  • Limited Player Count:** Designed for 3-5 players, which might limit its appeal for larger or smaller groups.
  • Language Barrier:** Original instructions are in French, though English translations are available.

    Personal Thoughts on Key Largo

    Key Largo is ideal for fans of German-style board games who enjoy strategic planning and interactive gameplay. It is suited for players aged 10 and above, given its complexity and time commitment. The game’s unique blend of resource management, economic transactions, and time pressure makes it a compelling choice for those who enjoy a challenge. If you’re looking for a game that combines history, strategy, and a touch of adventure, Key Largo is certainly worth considering.

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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