Lofoten (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Lofoten is a two-player board game released in 2022 by designer Sébastien Dujardin and published by Pearl Games. The game is set in Norway and revolves around a Viking theme, where players take on the role of Viking leaders competing to control the Lofoten archipelago.

Game Components of Lofoten

Fleet wheel: An oversized octagon with longships depicted in the four cardinal directions

Good cards: Indicate which goods the boats are collecting

Longship tokens: Mark each slot on the fleet wheel

Warehouse cards: Represent four different storage locations with unique scoring rules

Market row: Features five available docks

Good tiles: Include goods like sheep, fish, gold, and mead

Jarl cards: Introduce unique Viking abilities

Player bucklers (shields): Used in scoring conditions

How To Setup Lofoten

To set up *Lofoten*, players start by placing the fleet wheel on the table and aligning it with the Market row. Each player receives a set of Warehouse cards and sets them aside. The good tiles are shuffled and placed along the Market row. Players then draw a hand of three cards, which will be used to manage their fleet. The Jarl cards and additional modules can be included to add more complexity to the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage a hand of three cards that determine fleet movements and actions.

Fleet Movement: Cards played from the left or right cause horizontal or rotational movement of the fleet wheel.

Good Collection: Goods are loaded onto the boats when the boat’s card aligns with a matching good tile.

Warehouse Management: Players store goods in one of four Warehouses, each with its own scoring rule.

Jarl Abilities: Optional Jarl cards introduce unique abilities that can alter Warehouse conditions.

Game Objective: The objective is to accumulate the most points by strategically collecting and storing goods in the Warehouses.

Player Experience

Playing *Lofoten* involves a constant flow of goods being loaded and unloaded, with players needing to think ahead to execute smooth turns. The game is filled with satisfying combos, such as moving and rotating the fleet wheel to collect and unload goods efficiently. Each game lasts around 30 minutes, providing a quick yet engaging experience. However, the game’s execution can be marred by the fleet wheel’s awkward movement and the loose longship tokens.

Pros

Innovative Mechanics: The rotating fleet wheel and good collection system offer a unique gameplay experience.

Strategic Depth: Players must think strategically about card placement and fleet movement.

Quick Games: Each game is relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes.

Viking Theme: The game’s Viking theme adds a rich and immersive setting.

Cons

Fleet Wheel Mechanics: The fleet wheel does not rotate smoothly and can be cumbersome to manage.

Token Issues: Longship tokens can occasionally pop out of place due to their loose fit.

Jarl Card Inconsistencies: Some Jarl cards introduce effects that may not be useful or are overly complex.

Personal Thoughts on Lofoten

*Lofoten* is ideal for fans of strategy and hand management games, particularly those who enjoy competitive two-player games. While it has flashes of potential, the game’s execution can be improved, especially regarding the fleet wheel mechanics. The addition of Jarl cards adds variety but can sometimes feel erratic. Overall, *Lofoten* is a game that will appeal to players looking for a challenging and strategic experience with a unique twist.

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