Oaxaca: Crafts of a Culture (2018) Board Game

Oaxaca: Crafts of a Culture is a board game released in 2018 by Thing 12 Games. Designed by Sarah Reed and Will Reed, the game focuses on the rich cultural heritage of the Oaxaca region in Mexico, known for its vibrant crafts and traditions.

Game Components of Oaxaca: Crafts of a Culture

Dice for action selection

Crafting project cards (pottery, jewelry, wood, tin, textiles)

Tourist cards

Market stall cards

Wooden cubes for tracking points and bonuses

Rulebook

How To Setup Oaxaca: Crafts of a Culture

To set up the game, players start by rolling their dice to determine initial actions. Each player creates their workshop and market stall, and the necessary cards and components are distributed. The game is divided into three rounds, and the setup ensures that all players have the tools to begin crafting their art pieces.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll and Manipulate Dice: Players roll dice to determine their actions, which can include gathering materials or working on crafting projects.

Crafting Projects: Use dice to place and complete crafting projects in the workshop and then move them to the market stall.

Tourist Cards and Special Abilities: Utilize tourist cards and special abilities from crafted items to enhance gameplay and scoring.

Game Objective: The goal is to score points by creating and selling local art to tourists, with each type of craft offering different points and abilities.

Player Experience

In **Oaxaca: Crafts of a Culture**, players take on the roles of skilled Oaxacan handicraftsmen, aiming to create beautiful local art to sell. The game is highly interactive, with dice rolls and card abilities providing a dynamic experience. Players must balance short-term gains with long-term strategies, deciding whether to sell items for immediate points or hold onto them for their special powers. The solo variant adds an extra layer of challenge by introducing tourist demand dice, requiring players to adapt their strategies to meet market needs.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: The game offers a lot of engagement with its dice action selection and crafting mechanics.

Strategic Depth: Players have multiple strategies to explore, including specializing in certain crafts or diversifying their products.

Thematic Art: The game features bright and beautiful art that respects the culture of Oaxacan craftspeople.

Solo Variant: The solo mode is well-integrated and offers a similar gameplay experience to the multiplayer version.

Cons

Game Length: The game is relatively short, often leaving players wanting more time to build and utilize their crafted engine.

Luck of the Dice: The game can be influenced by the luck of dice rolls, though there are mechanisms to mitigate this.

Personal Thoughts on Oaxaca: Crafts of a Culture

**Oaxaca: Crafts of a Culture** is ideal for those looking for a quick, engaging engine-builder with a unique theme. It’s perfect for fans of dice action selection games and those who appreciate cultural themes. While it may be a bit too short for some, it serves as an excellent “filler with teeth,” providing a satisfying gaming experience without overstaying its welcome. If you’re a solo player or enjoy games with deep strategic options, this game is definitely worth considering.

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