Robinson Crusoe: Escape from Despair Island (2020) Board Game

Robinson Crusoe: Escape from Despair Island is a board game released in 2020 by Old Novel Games. It is based on the classic novel “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe, taking players on an adventure to survive on a deserted island.

Game Components of Robinson Crusoe: Escape from Despair Island

Game board

Player boards

Resource tokens

Event cards

Adventure cards

Island tiles

Character cards

Dice

How To Setup Robinson Crusoe: Escape from Despair Island

Set up the game board in the center of the table.

Give each player a player board and character card.

Shuffle the event and adventure cards, placing them in their designated areas.

Place the resource tokens within reach of all players.

Lay out the island tiles to create the deserted island.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Robinson Crusoe: Escape from Despair Island, players must work together to survive on the island. They must gather resources, build shelter, and fend off dangers such as wild animals and harsh weather conditions. The ultimate goal is to escape the island before it’s too late.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging theme based on a classic novel

Cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork

Varied gameplay mechanics keep things interesting

High replay value with different scenarios and difficulty levels

Cons:

Steep learning curve for new players

Can be overwhelming with the amount of rules and components

Luck-based elements may frustrate some players

Personal Thoughts on Robinson Crusoe: Escape from Despair Island

Overall, Robinson Crusoe: Escape from Despair Island is a solid adventure game with a unique theme. The build quality is good, with detailed components that enhance the immersion into the game world. However, the complexity of the game may not appeal to casual gamers, and the high price point may deter some from purchasing it. It’s worth considering for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy a challenge. However, if you prefer simpler, more straightforward games, you may want to skip this one.

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