Madeira (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Madeira is a strategic board game released in 2013, designed by Mariano Iannelli and published by What’s Your Game?. The game is set in the 15th century on the Portuguese island of Madeira, where players take on the roles of nobles trying to develop the island’s economy and influence.

Game Components of Madeira

Game board

Player boards

Wooden cubes and discs

Cardboard tokens

Dice

How To Setup Madeira

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player receives a player board and the corresponding components.

Randomly determine the starting player.

Place the dice workers on the designated spaces on the board.

Place the wooden cubes and discs in the supply area.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns placing their dice workers on various action spaces to gather resources, build ships, and complete contracts. The game features worker placement, dice rolling, and area majority mechanics. The objective is to score the most points by the end of the game through strategic resource management and completing contracts.

Player Experience

Pros:

Deep strategic gameplay with multiple paths to victory.

Engaging player interaction through area control and worker placement.

Beautiful artwork and components enhance the thematic experience.

Cons:

Steep learning curve for new players.

Lengthy playtime may not be suitable for casual gamers.

Limited player count of 2-4 may not accommodate larger gaming groups.

Personal Thoughts on Madeira

Madeira is a complex and engaging board game that offers a deep strategic experience for players who enjoy economic and farming-themed games. The build quality of the components is top-notch, and the artwork is beautifully done. The game falls into a niche category, so pricing and availability may vary, but it is worth considering for gamers looking for a challenging and immersive experience.

For those who enjoy strategic Euro-style games with a historical theme, Madeira is definitely worth your time. However, casual gamers or those looking for a quicker gameplay experience may want to skip this one. Alternatives to Madeira include similar worker placement games like Agricola or Caverna, but Madeira stands out for its unique setting and mechanics.

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