Manifest (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Manifest is a nautical-themed board game that was released in in 2014. It is designed by Amanda Milne and Franz Vohwinkel, with artwork by SchilMil Games, Ltd. The game is set in the golden age of shipping, where players take on the roles of ship captains competing to deliver cargo to various ports around the world.

Game Components of Manifest

Game Board: A map of the world showing shipping lanes and ports.

Player Boards: Each player has a board representing the inside of their two ships.

Action Cards: Used for movement, money, or special abilities.

Contract Cards: Players must fulfill these to earn points.

Deck Building Cards: Optional, but highly recommended for enhanced gameplay.

Dice: For resolving pirate encounters.

How To Setup Manifest

To set up Manifest, lay out the gorgeous world map board, which often sparks conversations about travel and geography. Each player receives their player board depicting their two ships and starting cards for the deck-building mode or randomly dealt action cards. Three contract cards are dealt to each player, with values of one, two, and three. Players choose two contracts to keep and place their ships at any port of their choice based on these contracts. The discarded contracts are placed face up on the board as open contracts.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card-Driven Actions: Cards used for movement, money, or special abilities.

Deck Building: Optional, but adds depth to the game by allowing players to purchase and manipulate their deck.

Pick-Up and Deliver: Players pick up goods and passengers and deliver them to their desired destinations.

Pirate Encounters: Dice rolls determine the outcome when moving through dangerous routes.

Game Objective

Fulfill Contracts: Complete contract cards to earn points.

Score Points: The player who reaches the set end-game points total wins.

Strategic Navigation: Use cards efficiently to move around the board, avoid pirates, and complete contracts.

Player Experience

Playing Manifest feels like a nautical adventure, with the game’s stunning map and the thrill of navigating shipping lanes. Turns are quick, allowing for rapid movement around the board. The game can last anywhere from 30 minutes for two players to 45-60 minutes for three to five players, depending on the desired game length. The addition of deck-building cards significantly enhances the game, making it less luck-based and more rewarding.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The nautical theme adds a romantic and adventurous feel.

Deck Building Option: Adds strategy and depth to the game.

Quick Turns: Fast-paced gameplay keeps the game exciting.

Public Contracts: Open contracts available to all players add a competitive edge.

Cons

Luck Factor: The basic version can feel luck-based, especially with contract card draws.

Repeated Gameplay: Some players find the game repetitive, especially without the deck-building element.

Pirate Mechanics: The pirate encounters, while exciting, can sometimes feel mean-spirited or overly random.

Personal Thoughts on Manifest

Manifest is ideal for fans of pick-up-and-deliver games and those who enjoy deck-building mechanics. It’s a great introduction to these mechanics for new players, especially children, due to its simple yet engaging gameplay. For experienced gamers, the deck-building option adds a layer of strategy that makes the game more satisfying. However, it may not offer enough complexity for players seeking highly strategic games. Overall, Manifest is a fun, addictive game that captures the essence of maritime adventure.

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