Ostindien Company (1996) Board Game

Ostindien Company is a board game that was released in 1996 by the designer Piatnik. The game is set in the 18th century and focuses on the trading activities of the Ostindien Company, a fictional trading company inspired by the historical East India Companies.

Game Components of Ostindien Company

Clipper ships

Exotic goods

Player interest cards

Game board depicting a route from the East Indies to Europe

How To Setup Ostindien Company

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player receives a set of cards representing their secret interests in various clipper ships. The clipper ships are positioned at the starting point on the board. Players then shuffle and deal the navigation cards, which will be used to move the ships.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Card play: Players use cards to move the clipper ships.

Secret interests: Players have hidden investments in the ships.

Racing: Ships race back to Europe with valuable goods.

Game Objective:

The objective is to be the player whose ships return to Europe first, maximizing the value of the goods they carry.

Player Experience

In **Ostindien Company**, players engage in a strategic and interactive game where they manipulate the movement of clipper ships to ensure their secretly invested ships reach Europe first. The game requires a balance between revealing too much about your interests and strategically using your cards to advance your ships. This creates a tense and engaging atmosphere as players navigate the challenges of maritime trade.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a good level of strategic complexity with the use of secret interests and card play.

Interactive: Players are constantly engaged, making moves that impact other players’ progress.

Historical Theme: The game is set in the context of the East India Company, adding a historical flair.

Cons

Complexity for New Players: The game may have a steep learning curve for those new to economic or racing games.

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for 3-5 players, which might limit its appeal for larger or smaller groups.

Luck Element: The card draw can introduce an element of luck, which might not appeal to players seeking pure strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Ostindien Company

**Ostindien Company** is ideal for fans of economic and racing games who enjoy strategic planning and interactive gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate historical themes and are looking for a game that challenges them without being overly complex. However, it may not be the best fit for new gamers or those who prefer games with simpler rules or a larger player count.

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