Pioneer Days (2017) Board Game

Pioneer Days is a board game that was released in 2017 by Tasty Minstrel Games. It is designed by Matthew Dunstan and Chris Marling, with artwork by Guille Longhini and Sergi Marcet. The game is set in the American West during the 19th century, where players take on the role of pioneers trying to build their own towns and develop them into thriving communities.

Game Components of Pioneer Days

Dice for drafting

Resource tokens (wood, medicine, cattle)

Coins

Follower cards with special abilities

Town cards with specific resource requirements

Disaster track with four potential disasters (famine, disease, dangerous storms, raids)

Wagon and supplies management components

Victory point tokens (favors)

How To Setup Pioneer Days

To set up Pioneer Days, players start by preparing the game board, which includes the Oregon Trail map, the disaster track, and the town cards. Each player chooses a wagon and places it at the starting point. The resource tokens, coins, and follower cards are distributed according to the rules. The disaster track is set up to reflect the potential hazards that players will face during their journey. Players then receive a starting set of resources and followers.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Dice Drafting: Players draft dice to obtain resources, coins, or followers.

Resource Management: Players manage their resources to meet town requirements and mitigate disasters.

Follower Abilities: Followers provide special abilities that aid in the game strategy.

Disaster Mitigation: Players must manage resources to protect against disasters.

Town Requirements: Players provide resources to towns to earn victory points (favors).

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most victory points by providing resources to towns, managing disasters, and utilizing follower abilities effectively.

Player Experience

Pioneer Days offers a balance of strategy and thematic elements, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The game is easy to learn, with snappy and meaty turns that involve picking dice and making strategic decisions. The disaster track adds a layer of tension, forcing players to work together to some extent while still competing. The game is highly replayable, with each playthrough presenting different challenges and opportunities.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple mechanics that are easy for children and adults to understand.

Strategic Depth: Offers nuanced and interesting strategic choices.

Replayability: Different town requirements and disasters ensure varied gameplay.

Thematic Elements: Strong thematic integration with the Oregon Trail setting.

Family-Friendly: Enjoyable for both children and adults.

Cons

Disaster Track Tension: While the disaster track adds tension, it can also be frustrating if not managed well.

Component Quality: Some users have reported issues with component quality, such as broken box corners.

Personal Thoughts on Pioneer Days

Pioneer Days is a great addition to any board game collection, particularly for those who enjoy light euro-style games with strategic depth. It is ideal for families and casual gamers who appreciate thematic games with easy-to-learn mechanics but plenty of room for strategy. The game’s ability to engage both children and adults makes it a versatile choice for game nights. If you’re looking for a game that combines resource management, strategic planning, and a bit of luck, Pioneer Days is an excellent choice.

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