Mariposas (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Mariposas is a board game released in 2020 by designer Elizabeth Hargrave, known for her previous successful game Wingspan. The game is published by Alderac Entertainment Group and is focused on the migration of monarch butterflies. Players take on the role of butterfly enthusiasts who strive to guide their butterflies through their life cycle and migration journey.

Game Components of Mariposas

Game Board: A hex map of North America, labeled with Michoacán in the south and various US/Canadian cities (Waystations) to the north.

Butterfly Tokens: Each player has four generations of butterfly tokens, differentiated by color.

Movement Cards: Players use these to move their butterflies across the map.

Flower Tokens: Collected when landing on flower symbols, used for reproducing butterflies.

Waystation Tokens: Collected from cities, providing bonuses and extra movement.

Lifecycle Board: A smaller board tracking special abilities.

Season Goal Cards: Revealed at the start of each season, dictating scoring objectives.

Bonus Cards: Found at waystations, offering additional movement or flower tokens.

How To Setup Mariposas

To set up Mariposas, each player starts with a first-generation butterfly token in Michoacán. Players separate their butterfly tokens into the four numbered generations and receive a hand of two action cards. The lifecycle board is set up with special ability tokens at the end of each track. The spring goal card is revealed, while the summer and fall goal cards are covered with player butterflies. The main board is arranged with the hex map and waystations ready for play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Seasonal Structure: The game is divided into three seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall), each with a specific number of turns (4, 5, 6 respectively).

Turn Sequence:
– Play one movement card to move butterflies.
– Collect flower tokens or waystation tokens.
– Reproduce by spending flower tokens if landing on a milkweed symbol.
– Draw back up to two cards.

Scoring:
– Score season goal cards at the end of each season.
– Score points for fourth-generation butterflies returning to Michoacán in the Fall.
– Score points for waystation lifecycle tokens.

Objective: The player with the most points, earned through completing season goals, returning butterflies to Michoacán, and collecting waystation tokens, wins the game.

Player Experience

Mariposas offers a engaging and thematic experience, allowing players to embark on the journey of Monarch butterflies. The game is easy to learn but requires strategic planning to maximize points. Players must balance moving north, reproducing, and returning to Michoacán, all while adapting to the random season goal cards and waystation bonuses. The game’s artwork and components are highly praised for their quality and thematic consistency.

Pros

Thematic Consistency: The game beautifully captures the migration journey of Monarch butterflies.

Simple yet Deep: Easy to learn, but with a good depth of strategy.

High Quality Components: Attractive board design and high-quality tokens and cards.

Well-Balanced Scoring: Multiple strategies can lead to victory, ensuring replay value.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for casual players and families due to its non-interactive, multiplayer solitaire nature.

Cons

Waystation Randomness: The randomness of waystation tokens can limit their strategic value.

Initial Complexity: The first game can feel chaotic until players understand the mechanics.

Limited Interaction: Lack of direct player interaction might not appeal to all gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Mariposas

Mariposas is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a game that blends movement and set-collection with a strong thematic appeal. It is particularly suited for families, casual players, and those who appreciate nature-themed games. While it may not offer the complex interactions some gamers seek, its simplicity and strategic depth make it a delightful addition to any game collection. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to learn, fun to play, and visually stunning, Mariposas is a great pick.

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