Palm Island (2018) Board Game

Palm Island is a unique card game released in 2018 by designer Jon Mietling and published by Portal Dragon. The game is designed to be played solo or with a partner, and it has a quick runtime of around 15 minutes. With its innovative mechanics and engaging gameplay, Palm Island has gained a following among gamers looking for a portable and strategic experience.

Game Components of Palm Island

17 Island cards

4 cycle cards

8 resource cards

8 bonus cards

8 effect cards

8 hut cards

4 wooden markers

How To Setup Palm Island

Shuffle the island cards and place them in a face-down deck.

Draw the top 3 cards and place them in a row, creating the island.

Shuffle the remaining cards and place them to the side as a draw deck.

Choose a side of the island to play on and place your wooden marker on the scoring track.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Palm Island, players must manage their resources and build their island in order to score points. By rotating and manipulating cards in their hand, players can gather resources, construct buildings, and earn bonuses. The objective is to score as many points as possible within the limited time frame of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Portable and easy to carry around

Innovative use of card manipulation mechanics

Quick gameplay with strategic depth

Solo and cooperative play options

Cons:

Limited replayability due to the small card pool

Some players may find the memory aspect challenging

Lack of direct player interaction

Personal Thoughts on Palm Island

Palm Island is a clever and engaging card game that offers a satisfying challenge in a compact package. The build quality is sturdy and the artwork is charming, adding to the overall experience. While the game may not have endless replay value, it is a great option for solo gamers or those looking for a quick and strategic gaming experience.

In terms of pricing and availability, Palm Island is reasonably priced for the quality of components and gameplay it offers. Both new and used copies can be found online, making it accessible to a wide range of players. For those interested in similar games, alternatives like “Friday” or “Sprawlopolis” may scratch a similar itch.

In conclusion, Palm Island is worth your time if you enjoy solo or cooperative card games with a unique twist. It is suitable for players aged 10 and up, and while it may not be for everyone, those looking for a portable and strategic gaming experience should give it a try. On the other hand, players who prefer more complex or interactive games may want to skip Palm Island in favor of other options.

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