| | | | | |

Papua (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Papua is a board game released in 2020, designed by Paulina Wach and featuring artwork by Egmont Polska. The game is categorized as a puzzle and real-time game, suitable for 2 to 4 players aged 8 and above. With gameplay mechanics such as dice rolling, hidden victory points, and tile placement, Papua offers a unique gaming experience for players.

Game Components of Papua

  • Game board featuring six action spaces and a prestige track
  • Seven meeples per player
  • Starting capital coins
  • Fish tokens for food
  • Dice for rolling and allocating actions
  • Expedition cards
  • Notebook cards
  • Player screens for tracking resources
  • Energy track for managing stamina

    How To Setup Papua

    To set up Papua, each player starts with seven meeples, a few coins, and three fish tokens. These resources are placed behind player screens to keep them secret. The game board is laid out with six action spaces and a prestige track. Each player’s energy is set on the stamina tracker. The expedition cards and notebook cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Dice Rolling:** Players roll dice to allocate their meeples to action spaces.
  • Worker Placement:** Meeples are placed on action spaces to collect resources and explore.
  • Set Collection:** Players collect expedition cards to earn prestige points.
  • Bidding:** Meeples and coins are used for bidding to secure resources and actions.
  • Resource Management:** Managing food, coins, and energy to sustain the expedition.

    Game Objective

    The objective is to balance logistical and scientific aspects of the expedition to earn the most prestige points. Players accumulate points by collecting resources, expedition cards, and managing their energy efficiently.

    Player Experience

    Papua offers a unique blend of mechanics that requires strategic planning and adaptation. Players must navigate the dynamic action spaces, manage their resources carefully, and balance the need to explore and collect resources with the need to sustain their expedition team. The game is engaging and challenging, with a fresh take on familiar worker placement mechanics.

    Pros

  • Smooth Mechanics Integration:** The game blends multiple mechanisms smoothly, creating a sophisticated strategy.
  • Unique Dice/Worker Placement System:** The dynamic assignment of action spaces adds a fresh twist to traditional worker placement.
  • Good Thematic Tie-ins:** The game successfully abstracts and incorporates the thematic elements of a Victorian Era scientific expedition.
  • Resource Management:** Multiple uses for each resource add depth and complexity to the game.

    Cons

  • Catastrophes Can Be Extremely Random:** This can lead to unpredictable outcomes that may not always feel fair.
  • Advantages for First and Last Players:** The game mechanics can sometimes favor the first and last players, creating an imbalance.

    Personal Thoughts on Papua

    Papua is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a mix of mechanics. It is suitable for those who appreciate the challenge of balancing multiple resources and adapting to dynamic game conditions. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a great addition to the collection of any strategy game enthusiast. The game’s thematic elements and smooth mechanics integration make it a fresh and engaging experience in the worker placement genre.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • 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

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *