Oasis (2004) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Oasis is a board game released in 2004, designed by Alan R. Moon and Aaron Weissblum. It is published by Schmidt Spiele and features artwork by Franz Vohwinkel. The game falls under the categories of Animals and Territory Building, with gameplay mechanics including Auction/Bidding, Enclosure, Hand Management, and Tile Placement.

Game Components of Oasis

Game board

Player pieces

Animal tiles

Oasis tiles

Bid tokens

Waterhole tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Oasis

Place the game board in the center of the playing area.

Shuffle the animal tiles and place them face down on the designated areas of the board.

Each player selects a color and takes the corresponding player pieces and bid tokens.

Randomly determine the starting player.

Place the oasis tiles and waterhole tokens within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Oasis, players take turns bidding to acquire animal tiles and placing them on the board to create enclosures. The objective is to have the most valuable collection of animals by the end of the game. Players must strategically manage their bids and tile placements to outwit their opponents and secure valuable animal sets.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging gameplay with strategic depth

Beautiful artwork and components

Easy to learn for new players

Replayability with different strategies to explore

Encourages player interaction and negotiation

Cons:

Limited player count of 3-5 may not accommodate larger gaming groups

Some players may find the bidding mechanics too luck-dependent

Game length of 60 minutes may feel too short for some players

Personal Thoughts on Oasis

Oasis is a well-crafted board game that offers a blend of strategic decision-making and player interaction. The components are of high quality, and the artwork enhances the immersive experience. While the game may not appeal to all players due to its specific mechanics, it is worth trying for fans of territory building and auction games.

In terms of pricing and availability, Oasis can be found both new and used online or at board game stores. Alternatives to Oasis include games like Takenoko and Isle of Skye, which offer similar gameplay experiences. Overall, Oasis is a game that is worth your time if you enjoy strategic gameplay and are looking for a unique addition to your board game collection. It is recommended for players who enjoy territory building games and are looking for a medium-weight gaming experience. However, those who prefer more luck-based games or larger player counts may want to skip this one.

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