Pelican Cove (2011) Board Game

Pelican Cove is a board game released in 2011 by KOSMOS. Designed by Lauge Luchau and illustrated by Harald Lieske, the game is suitable for 1-5 players aged 8 and above. It falls under the categories of puzzle and real-time games, with a focus on pattern recognition as the main gameplay mechanism.

Game Components of Pelican Cove

Game board

5 player boards

30 puzzle pieces

20 pelicans

10 coins

Rulebook

How To Setup Pelican Cove

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player takes a player board and places it in front of them.

Shuffle the puzzle pieces and place them face down on the table.

Place the pelicans and coins within reach of all players.

Determine the starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Pelican Cove, players take turns flipping over puzzle pieces and trying to match them with the patterns on their player boards. The objective is to collect coins by completing patterns and attracting pelicans to your cove. The player with the most coins at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Pros:

Quick gameplay with a 30-minute runtime

Engaging pattern recognition mechanics

Suitable for a wide range of players, including families and casual gamers

Cons:

Limited replay value due to the fixed puzzle pieces

Can feel repetitive after multiple plays

Personal Thoughts on Pelican Cove

Pelican Cove offers a fun and accessible gameplay experience for players looking for a light puzzle game. While the game may lack depth for more experienced gamers, it serves as a great introduction to pattern recognition mechanics for younger players and families. The build quality is solid, and the artwork by Harald Lieske adds charm to the game.

In terms of pricing and availability, Pelican Cove can be found both new and used at reasonable prices. For those interested in similar games, titles like Patchwork and Azul offer similar puzzle mechanics with more strategic depth. Overall, Pelican Cove is worth your time if you enjoy quick and engaging gameplay with a focus on pattern recognition. It’s recommended for families and casual gamers looking for a light and accessible board game experience.

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