Shadows of Macao (2019) Board Game

Shadows of Macao is a card game that was released in 2019 by Ankama. Designed by Charles Chevallier and illustrated by Jonathan Aucomte, the game is set in the world of mafia and crime in Macao. With a runtime of 30 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, Shadows of Macao is a strategic game that involves open drafting mechanics.

Game Components of Shadows of Macao

Deck of cards

Player boards

Tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Shadows of Macao

Shuffle the deck of cards and deal a certain number to each player, depending on the number of players.

Place the tokens within reach of all players.

Each player receives a player board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Shadows of Macao, players take on the roles of mafia bosses trying to expand their influence in the city. The game involves open drafting, where players select cards from a common pool to build their criminal empire. The objective is to accumulate the most influence points by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros

Strategic gameplay that requires planning and decision-making.

Beautiful artwork and theme that immerses players in the world of mafia.

Quick runtime makes it a good option for a casual game night.

Cons

Limited replayability due to the fixed set of cards.

Can be overwhelming for new players to grasp all the different strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Shadows of Macao

Shadows of Macao is a decent card game with a unique theme and interesting gameplay mechanics. While it may not have the depth of some other strategy games, it offers a fun experience for players looking for a quick and engaging game. The build quality of the components is good, and the pricing is reasonable for the content provided. However, with limited replayability, some players may find themselves wanting more after several plays. Overall, Shadows of Macao is worth considering for those who enjoy mafia-themed games and are looking for a light strategy game to add to their collection. Players who prefer more complex games may want to skip this one.

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