Ophir (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ophir is a board game released in 2015, designed by Naomi Robinson and published by Terra Nova Games. The game is set in an ancient nautical world, where players take on the role of merchants navigating the seas to trade goods and fulfill religious obligations in the land of Ophir.

Game Components of Ophir

Central board with seven hex spaces

Resource piles

Market deck with market orders

Temple and market merchant modifiers

Specialist cards providing unique abilities and Favor Points

Ship boards with cargo hold spaces and a matching die

Durable tiles, sturdy boards, and solid resource tokens

Three-dimensional Temple pieces

How To Setup Ophir

Setting up Ophir involves several steps. First, location markers are randomly and secretly placed on each of the seven hex spaces on the board. Players then roll to determine the first player, who places two barriers between hexes to restrict movement. The location markers are revealed, and the Market deck is used to fill the current and future market booth spaces. Market and temple merchant modifiers are randomly placed. Each player selects a specialist card, receives a ship board, and starts at the Temple hex.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Pick-up and deliver

Set collection

Variable player powers

Dice rolling

Modular board

Game Objective

Collect and deliver Silver and Gold to the Temple to contribute to its construction.

Navigate the seas to collect goods and fulfill market demands for Coins or exchange for Favor.

Use Favor to enhance movement and trading capabilities.

The game ends when the Temple is complete, and the player with the most contributions earns the most Victory Points.

Player Experience

Ophir offers a streamlined and accessible gaming experience, making it suitable for both families and experienced gamers. The game is light to mid-weight, focusing on economics and resource management rather than combat. Players must manage their cargo, navigate the board efficiently, and make tactical decisions about trading and delivering resources. The game’s modular setup and unique player roles add replayability and strategic depth.

Pros

Low degree of luck despite randomized elements

Easy to learn and play

High replayability due to variable player powers and market demands

Well-designed, high-quality components

Quick gameplay lasting 45-60 minutes

Suitable for families and experienced gamers

Cons

Some players might find the game too light or simplistic

Potential for imbalance in player powers

Influence rolls can be frustrating

Personal Thoughts on Ophir

Ophir is an excellent choice for those who enjoy light to mid-weight eurogames with a focus on resource management and strategic planning. It is particularly appealing to families due to its accessible rules and lack of direct conflict, while also offering enough depth for experienced gamers to enjoy. The game’s unique Temple-building mechanic and high-quality components add to its charm, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, players seeking complex gameplay or heavy strategy might find Ophir a bit too light.

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