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Macao (2009) Board Game

ByMichail

Macao is a board game that was released in in 2009. It is designed by Julien Delval and Harald Lieske, and published by alea and Ravensburger. The game is set in the Portuguese trading colony of Macau during the Age of Sail. Players take on the role of traders trying to establish their businesses and gain influence in the city.

Game Components of Macao

  • Game board featuring a map of Macao and European ports
  • 300 action cubes
  • 96 Building/Person cards
  • 24 Office cards
  • 6 dice (blue, green, red, purple, gray, and black)
  • Goods tiles
  • Player mats and markers
  • Wind rose device
  • Gold coins
  • Ship and player tokens
  • Punishment markers

    How To Setup Macao

    To set up Macao, place the game board in the middle of the table. Each player selects a color and takes the corresponding player mat, wind rose, ownership markers, ship, and player order disc. The board is laid out with goods tiles on city spaces, office cards along the edge, and building/person cards in a face-down stack. Each player starts with 5 gold coins and places their initial action tokens on the wind rose. The tribute table and scoring track are also set up according to the rules.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Game Objective

  • Earn the most Prestige Points (PP) by engaging in lucrative trade, expanding city influence, and filling important offices and positions.

    Gameplay Mechanics

  • Card Phase:** Four Building/Person cards and two Office cards are drawn each round. Players select one card to add to their tableau.
  • Dice Phase:** Six dice are rolled, and each player selects two dice to determine the action cubes they receive.
  • Action Phase:** Players use action cubes to activate cards, take possession of city quarters, move their ships, deliver goods to Europe, and acquire prestige.
  • Tribute System:** The tribute value is calculated based on the numbers on the cards, influencing the gold and privilege points available.
  • Endgame Scoring:** Points are awarded for the largest connected group of ownership markers, activated game-end cards, and final prestige track positions.

    Player Experience

    Macao offers a rich and engaging experience with a steep but manageable learning curve. Players must balance multiple strategies, including card management, resource allocation, and spatial planning. The game’s mechanics, such as the wind rose and dice rolling, ensure that all players have equal access to resources, eliminating hoarding and haggling. This setup encourages strategic thinking and decision-making, making each round dynamic and challenging.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** Multiple layers of strategy keep the game engaging and challenging.
  • Balanced Resources:** The wind rose and dice mechanics ensure fair resource distribution.
  • Thematic Immersion:** Players take on the roles of Portuguese adventurers in 17th-century Macao.
  • High Replayability:** 96 Building/Person cards and varied dice rolls provide different experiences each game.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules:** The game has a steep learning curve, which can be daunting for new players.
  • Lengthy Gameplay:** Games can last between 50-100 minutes, which may not suit all players.
  • Component Handling:** Managing the numerous cards and tokens can be cumbersome.

    Personal Thoughts on Macao

    Macao is an excellent choice for fans of complex, strategic board games. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy resource management, card drafting, and spatial planning. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and length, it offers a highly rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to learn and master its mechanics. For groups of 3 or 4 players, Macao provides a dynamic and competitive environment that challenges players to balance short-term needs with long-term strategies.

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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

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