Sail Away (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sail Away is a humorous nautical-themed board game designed by Pierô and released in in 2016. The game takes players on a pirate adventure where they must pick up and deliver goods while collecting sets to earn points. With its colorful artwork by Mattel, Inc., Sail Away aims to provide a fun and engaging gaming experience for 2-4 players aged 10 and up.

Game Components of Sail Away

36 Ship Cards

13 island cards

30 small silver coins

16 large gold coins

28 crates

12 pirate crates

12 island claim posts

6 pirate actions cards

6 public objective cards

4 player boards

1 common board

How To Setup Sail Away

To set up the game, shuffle the island cards, ship cards, pirate action cards, and public objective cards. Each player receives a player board, selects a color for their crates and claim posts, and places 6 crates, 2 pirate crates, and 2 claim posts on their board. An extra crate and pirate crate are placed to the right of the board, which can be unlocked later. Each player starts with 4 small coins, 1 secret objective, and 3 ship cards after discarding the others into the deck. The common area is set up with 3 pirate action cards and 3 ship cards docked into the common board, along with islands equal to the number of players plus one.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Set collection

Pick-up and delivery

Resource management

Game Objective:

Earn the most points by launching ships, collecting gold, and completing objectives.

Place crates on islands to claim resources.

Use pirate crates to claim abilities or plunder resources from other players.

Complete ship orders by filling the required resources.

Launch ships to gain points and abilities.

The game ends when a player launches 5 ships, and points are counted based on ships, coins, public objectives, and secret objectives.

Player Experience

In Sail Away, players engage in a dynamic game of strategy and resource management. Each turn, players place two crates on different islands or pirate action cards, navigating the rules of bribery and plundering. The game requires careful planning to complete ship orders and maximize points. With its relatively short playtime of 30-45 minutes, it offers a quick yet engaging experience.

Pros

Engaging gameplay with a mix of strategy and luck.

Diverse game components and objectives keep the game exciting.

Short playtime makes it accessible for various player groups.

Cons

Some players may find the rules complex at first.

Limited player interactions in certain phases of the game.

Component quality could be improved, though functional.

Personal Thoughts on Sail Away

Sail Away is perfect for fans of set collection and resource management games. It’s an excellent choice for families or casual gamers looking for a game that’s both strategic and easy to learn. With its colorful and thematic components, it appeals to a wide range of players, though it may not be as deep or complex for seasoned gamers seeking more intricate mechanics. Overall, it’s a great addition to any game collection, offering a fun and challenging experience.

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