Lakshadweep (2023) Board Game

Lakshadweep is a board game that takes players on a journey to the beautiful archipelago of Lakshadweep, located in the Arabian Sea. The game is designed by Mazhar Kothari and features stunning artwork by Luma World. Players will have the opportunity to build cities, protect the environment, and compete for territory in this strategic and immersive game.

Game Components of Lakshadweep

Double-sided tiles featuring island and water bodies, natural features (Corals, Forests), and man-made features (Houses, Hotels, Ports, and Fisheries) in two player colors.

Bonus tokens for completing islands and placing certain features.

A shared, central map of Lakshadweep.

No significant plastic components; tiles are held together by a paper belly band, and the box is sealed with small pieces of tape.

How To Setup Lakshadweep

To set up Lakshadweep, players start with a central map and a market display of tiles. The market display always shows three tiles: one on top of the draw deck and two to the side. This setup ensures that players can see all available tiles and plan their moves accordingly. The game does not require a complex or lengthy setup process, making it quick to get started.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players take turns picking tiles from the market display and adding them to the central map.

Feature Placement: Each tile contains features such as Houses, Hotels, Ports, Fisheries, Forests, and Corals in two player colors.

Scoring: Each feature has a unique way of accruing points based on its placement. For example, hotels score points based on the number of guests, while forests score a flat quantity of points.

Bonuses: Completing islands and placing certain features trigger bonuses, allowing players to pick unique bonus tokens.

Game End: The game ends when the last tile is placed, and the player with the highest score wins.

Player Experience

Lakshadweep offers a delightful and engaging experience for two players. The game is easy to learn and plays in 30-45 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick game session or date night. Players must strategically place tiles to maximize their points while considering the impact on their opponent’s score. The game encourages sustainable thinking through its mechanics, such as balancing tourism with environmental conservation.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game has a simple and intuitive setup.

Quick Gameplay: Games last between 30-45 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Players must think strategically about tile placement and feature scoring.

Sustainable Focus: The game promotes sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.

Minimal Plastic: The game is designed with sustainability in mind, using minimal plastic components.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is only for two players, which may restrict its appeal.

No Complex Geography: The tile shapes are simple, which might make the game less challenging for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is an excellent choice for couples or anyone looking for a quick, engaging two-player game. It combines strategic tile placement with a meaningful theme of sustainable tourism, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. The game’s focus on balance and sustainability adds a unique layer of depth, making it a great addition to any board game collection.

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