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Old World New World (2013) Board Game

ByMichail

Old World New World is a board game that was released in 2013 and designed by Michelle Ball, Vinh Ha, and Brett Mitchell. It falls under the categories of Adventure, Card Game, and Exploration, with gameplay mechanics such as Hand Management, Modular Board, Network and Route Building, Point to Point Movement, Take That, and Tile Placement. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 13+ and a playtime of 20-30 minutes.

Game Components of Old World New World

  • 72 cards (58 Terrain cards, 14 Action cards)
  • 26 laser-cut counters (24 Units, 2 Natives)
  • 12 border pieces
  • One full color 8-page Rules booklet
  • One bright red, 9 1/4″ x 5 7/8″ Standard cardboard VPG game box
  • One beautiful box cover sleeve
  • One “Wipes-A-Lot” napkin
  • One charcoal desiccant packet.

    How To Setup Old World New World

    To set up the game, players create a 6×6 grid using the border pieces. Each player starts with a hand of five cards. The terrain cards, which serve as the board, are placed within this grid as the game progresses. The setup is minimal, and the game is ready to play quickly.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Mechanics:**
    – Hand Management
    – Modular Board
    – Network and Route Building
    – Point to Point Movement
    – Take That
    – Tile Placement

  • Game Objective:**
    – Players aim to be the first to send three explorers across the entire breadth of the newly discovered land.
    – On each turn, players can either place a terrain card to expand the map or burn a card to perform an action such as moving, deploying, or converting units.
    – Units move like rooks in chess, with ships moving on oceans and soldiers moving over land. Ports and Camps allow for free moves and unit deployment.

    Player Experience

    Old World New World offers a fun and fast-paced experience with simple rules but challenging gameplay. The game is accessible to a broad range of ages and gamer types. Player interaction is a strong feature, with elements of competition and strategy that make the game engaging. However, the experience can vary depending on the number of players, with two-player games being more controlled and four-player games introducing more randomness.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules make it accessible to new and experienced gamers alike.
  • Fast-Paced:** Games typically last about 25-30 minutes.
  • Strategic Depth:** Despite simple rules, the game requires strategic thinking to outmaneuver opponents.
  • High Player Interaction:** Competitive elements and unpredictable actions keep the game exciting.
  • Attractive Components:** Upgraded laser-cut components and thematic artwork enhance the game experience.

    Cons

  • Scalability Issues:** The game experience differs significantly with different player counts, which can affect strategy and randomness.
  • Luck of the Draw:** The randomness of card draws can impact strategy and outcomes.
  • Limited Depth for Serious Gamers:** It is not a heavy, brain-burning colonization building game, which might disappoint some players looking for deeper complexity.

    Personal Thoughts on Old World New World

    Old World New World is ideal for those looking for a quick, strategic game that is easy to teach and play. It’s perfect for families, casual gamers, and groups seeking a fun, interactive experience. While it may not satisfy gamers craving complex, heavy strategy games, it fills a niche as a enjoyable and accessible abstraction of exploration and colonization themes.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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