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Origo (2007) Board Game

ByMichail

Origo is a board game that was released in 2007 and designed by Daniel Reeve. It falls under the categories of Ancient and Territory Building games, where players compete to control territories and build their network of influence. The game features area majority/influence, network and route building, and open drafting as its main gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Origo

  • Board:** A distorted map of Europe divided into ‘countries’ and seas on a square grid.
  • Counters:** Round counters for each player.
  • Cards:** Cards indicating specific countries, rows, columns, ships, or population expansion.
  • Neutral Pawn:** Used for victory points on the turn track.
  • Ship Counters:** For placement in sea spaces.

    How To Setup Origo

    To set up Origo, each player starts with a specific number of counters based on the number of players. Players place a certain number of counters on the board one at a time to begin. The game track around the edge of the board is used to keep track of neutral pawns which will later reveal victory points.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Country Establishment:** Players place counters on empty spaces using cards to fill countries. When a country is fully filled, a neutral pawn is removed and placed on the country, scoring victory points.
  • Scoring:** Points are awarded for the largest clans (adjacent counters), counters in sea spaces, and the most counters in each country.
  • Attacks:** Players can attack each other’s counters by playing cards, with each card worth two points. The defender and attacker add cards until one gives up.
  • Expansion and Migration:** Players can expand their counters or migrate them to adjacent empty spaces, including moving all ships at once.
  • Turn Structure:** Players can attack twice, expand twice, or do a combination of both, along with one migration move per turn.

    Player Experience

    Origo offers a rich strategic and tactical experience, forcing players to plan and decide between various options. The game is medium-weight, providing an even contest especially with four players. The ability to move counters flexibly and the strategic use of ships add a layer of depth to the game.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** Offers numerous strategic and tactical options.
  • Flexibility:** Players can perform multiple actions per turn, including attacks, expansions, and migrations.
  • Balanced Gameplay:** Works well with four players, providing an even contest.
  • Replayability:** With multiple paths to victory, the game remains engaging over multiple plays.

    Cons

  • Language Barrier:** Currently available only in German.
  • Complexity:** May be overwhelming for younger or less experienced players due to the array of options and strategies.
  • Attack Mechanics:** Attacks play a relatively minor role, which might not appeal to players who enjoy direct conflict.

    Personal Thoughts on Origo

    Origo is an excellent game for those who enjoy strategic planning and tactical execution. It is particularly suited for players aged 10 and above who have some experience with board games. The game’s complexity and depth make it a great choice for gamers looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience. However, the language barrier may limit its accessibility for non-German speakers.

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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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