Rapa Nui (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, is a remote island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and is famous for its large stone statues called moai. The island has a rich history and unique culture that has captured the imaginations of people around the world.

The Rapa Nui board game, released in 2020, transports players to this tropical island setting where they must compete to build the most prosperous civilization through network and route building, ownership, pick-up and deliver, set collection, and worker placement mechanics.

Game Components of Rapa Nui

Central board representing the island of Rapa Nui

Personal player boards for tracking resources

Moai figures in three sizes (small, medium, large)

Pukao (hats) for the moai

Worker figures (villagers and sculptors)

Improvement tiles for upgrades

Offering tiles for scoring points

Resources (reeds, eggs, wood, pearls)

Ahu tiles

How To Setup Rapa Nui

To set up *Rapa Nui*, each player receives a personal board and four improvement tiles. The central board is placed in the middle, with two sides available for different player counts (two players or three to four players). Players start by placing their workers on the board, including a special worker to determine turn order. Each player begins with a set of resources and improvement tiles that can be purchased during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Network and Route Building: Players build chains of workers to transport moai.

Pick-up and Deliver: Moai and pukao are moved across the board.

Set Collection: Players collect resources and offering tiles.

Worker Placement: Workers are placed to sculpt, transport, and erect moai.

Ownership: Players manage their resources and improvements.

Game Objective

The objective is to earn the most victory points by collecting and converting resources into offering tiles. Players sculpt moai, transport them using a network of workers, and place pukao to earn resources. These resources are used to purchase offering tiles, which are the primary source of points.

Player Experience

*Rapa Nui* offers a engaging and strategic experience, particularly with three to four players. The game involves careful planning and resource management, as players balance sculpting moai, expanding their presence on the board, and converting resources into offerings. The game’s mechanics encourage cooperation and competition, as using other players’ workers to transport moai rewards those players with resources.

Pros

High Replayability: Different strategies and player interactions ensure varied gameplay.

Aesthetic Appeal: The game features beautifully illustrated components and a well-designed board.

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of worker placement, network building, and set collection keeps players engaged.

Scalability: The game plays well with two to four players, offering distinct experiences at different player counts.

Cons

Component Issue: The different sizes of moai figures are not easily distinguishable, which could be improved.

Resource Management: The game requires tight resource management, which can be challenging, especially with limited workers.

Procedural Gameplay: Some aspects, like the final placement of moai, can feel procedural.

Personal Thoughts on Rapa Nui

*Rapa Nui* is ideal for fans of strategic board games who appreciate a mix of cooperation and competition. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy games with deep mechanics but are looking for something that can be played within a relatively short time frame (31-45 minutes). The game’s theme, centered around the unique culture of Easter Island, adds an educational and cultural layer that enhances the gaming experience. While it may not be as flashy as some modern games, *Rapa Nui* offers a solid, engaging experience that will keep players coming back for more.

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