Raiatea (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Raiatea is a board game released in 2018 by designer Franz Vohwinkel. The game is set in ancient Polynesia, specifically on the island of Raiatea, and players take on the roles of high priests competing for power and influence. The game combines elements of economic strategy, religion, and set collection, making for a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Raiatea

Game board featuring the island of Raiatea

Action cards with various actions (drawing pearls, gathering at the forest, trading at the market, etc.)

Mana tokens

Pearl tokens

Priest tokens

Ritual and forbidden ritual cards

Tattoo track

Player screens for secret resource management

To’o statue components

Divine gift tokens (tattoos, commodities, etc.)

How To Setup Raiatea

To set up Raiatea, each player selects a player board and screen. The game board is placed in the middle, and the action cards, mana tokens, pearl tokens, and other components are distributed according to the rules. Players start with a basic set of resources and a starting position on the tattoo track. The central Marae (meeting place) is prepared with the necessary ritual cards and divine gifts.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Rounds: Players take turns drawing action cards and placing them in front of them, performing actions such as drawing pearls, gathering resources, or trading commodities. Each action provides a base benefit to all players and a Kahuna bonus to the leading player at that location.

Ceremony Rounds: These occur at three intervals during the game. Players appoint priests, generate mana, and bid secretly to determine the order of performing rituals. The highest bidder chooses their divine gift first, followed by other players in descending order.

Game Objective: The goal is to become the most powerful Arioi by completing tasks, performing rituals, and collecting victory points. The player with the highest score, typically between 25 and 40 points, wins the game.

Player Experience

Raiatea offers a progressive and immersive experience. The game starts with simple actions that gradually become more complex and powerful as players advance through the game. The use of player screens and secret bidding adds a unique twist to the typical eurogame, making it engaging and strategic. The game’s theme is deeply integrated into the mechanics, allowing players to feel like they are ascending through the ranks of the Arioi society.

Pros

Immersive Theme: The game does an exceptional job of immersing players into the Polynesian society and the role of the Arioi.

Progressive Complexity: The game starts simple and grows in complexity, keeping it engaging throughout.

Beautiful Components: The game includes well-made, visually appealing components such as plastic mana and pearl tokens.

Strategic Depth: The combination of action selection, resource management, and secret bidding provides a rich strategic experience.

Cons

Learning Curve: While the game is simple to learn, the ceremony rounds can be complex at first.

Length: The game can take between 60 to 120 minutes to play, which may be too long for some players.

Player Count: While the game supports 3 to 5 players, it is particularly enjoyable with four players.

Personal Thoughts on Raiatea

Raiatea is well-suited for fans of mid to heavier weight eurogames who appreciate a mix of strategy and theme integration. It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy games with action selection, resource management, and unique mechanics like secret bidding. However, it may not be the best fit for players looking for quick, light games or those who prefer games with less complexity. Overall, Raiatea is a beautifully crafted game that offers a unique and engaging experience for players interested in diving into the world of the Arioi.

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