Papua (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Papua is a board game released in 2018, designed by Pedro Soto. The game is set in the island of New Guinea, where players take on the role of explorers trying to uncover the mysteries and treasures of the island. With a mix of auction/bidding, dice rolling, set collection, and worker placement mechanics, Papua offers a challenging and strategic gameplay experience for 2-4 players.

Game Components of Papua

Task boards featuring exotic islands

Construction materials for bridges

Dice for resource allocation

Huts, logistics, expeditions, funding, hunting and fishing, and field notebook areas on the board

Various tokens and markers for tracking progress.

How To Setup Papua

To set up Papua, each player receives task boards with exotic islands that need to be connected with bridges. The board is divided into several areas such as huts, logistics, expeditions, funding, hunting and fishing, and a field notebook. Players allocate their resources and prepare for the expedition by placing their tokens and markers accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Allocation: Players roll dice and allocate the results to different areas of the board.

Worker Placement: Resources are used to perform various actions like constructing bridges, managing logistics, and conducting expeditions.

Game Objective: The goal is to connect the islands with bridges as quickly as possible while befriending local natives for assistance and completing scientific tasks.

Player Experience

In Papua, players take on the roles of explorers tasked with navigating the challenges of a tropical island. The game combines strategic resource management with the tactical placement of workers to achieve various objectives. Players must balance their efforts between constructing bridges, managing resources, and building relationships with the local population.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines dice allocation and worker placement for a dynamic gameplay experience.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Thematic Immersion: Players feel like they are part of a scientific expedition in a tropical setting.

Interactive: Involves befriending local natives, adding a social element to the game.

Cons

Complex Setup: The game requires some time to set up and understand the various components and rules.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find it challenging to grasp the multiple mechanics and objectives.

Resource Management: Managing the dice rolls and resource allocation can be cumbersome for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Papua

Papua is ideal for fans of complex board games who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games with a strong thematic element and those who enjoy the challenge of balancing multiple tasks simultaneously. However, due to its complexity and steep learning curve, it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game enthusiasts.

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