Pablo Escobar: The Boardgame (2018) Board Game

Pablo Escobar: The Boardgame is a strategic board game inspired by the life of infamous Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar. Designed by René Groen and illustrated by Just Games, this game takes players on a thrilling journey through the world of drug trafficking and mafia warfare in the 1980s.

Game Components of Pablo Escobar: The Boardgame

Game Board: A detailed map used for the game, which is clear and inviting.

Player Boards: Over-sized character cards that serve their purpose.

Parcel Tokens: Tokens representing the drug parcels to be transported.

Crew Pawns: Simple wooden pieces.

Competence Cubes: Representing unique skills for each player.

Alliance Bars: Used for forming alliances between players.

Bank Notes: High-quality material adding to the game’s realism.

Dice: Used for determining moves and outcomes.

How To Setup Pablo Escobar: The Boardgame

To set up the game, players start by placing their crew pawns and parcel tokens on the designated starting areas on the board. Each player receives a player board and competence cubes that outline their unique skills for the game. The alliance bars and bank notes are also distributed accordingly. The game board is set up with the map and the initial stacks of parcels, ensuring all four different colors are in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the first player to transport and sell all four of your drug parcels in Florida.

Player Actions: Manage cash flow and traffic flow by investing in production, transport, coordination, or marketing.

Dice Rolls: Determine moves, but strategic planning overrides luck.

Alliances: Form temporary alliances with other players to move parcels, with financial rewards.

Parcel Movement: Moving parcels can block or unblock other players’ parcels, requiring strategic planning.

Cartel Abilities: Use special abilities to steal money, move parcels, and influence the game.

Player Experience

Playing **Pablo Escobar: The Boardgame** involves a mix of strategy and tactical decisions. Players must balance their own goals with the need to cooperate or hinder other players. The game requires planning and adaptability, as the movement of parcels can significantly impact the game’s progression. The use of alliances and cartel abilities adds a layer of complexity and social interaction.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The game combines strategy with a bit of luck, making it engaging.

High-Quality Components: The game board, player boards, and bank notes are well-designed and of good quality.

Unique Skills: Each player has unique competences, making each game session different.

Social Interaction: Forming alliances and negotiating with other players enhances the gameplay experience.

Cons

Cartel Skills Underwhelming: Some players find the cartel skills to be less impactful than expected.

Simple Pawns and Cubes: The crew pawns and competence cubes are somewhat simple in design.

Controversial Theme: The game’s theme has caused controversy, especially among Colombians.

Personal Thoughts on Pablo Escobar: The Boardgame

**Pablo Escobar: The Boardgame** is designed for adult players (18+ years) who enjoy strategic and tactical games with a social twist. It is ideal for those who can appreciate the complex mechanics and the thematic elements, despite the controversy surrounding its subject matter. The game is recommended for game nights where players are looking for a challenging and engaging experience. However, it may not be suitable for everyone due to its sensitive and controversial theme.

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