"Board game cover titled 'Source of the Nile' depicting a stylized African exploration scene with explorers, a lion, a large snake, and indigenous figures against a jungle backdrop, with 'Avalon Hill's trademark name for its African exploration game' mentioned at the top."
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Source of the Nile (1978)

ByMichail

Source of the Nile

Source of the Nile is a board game published by Discovery Games in 1977 that simulates the exploration of Africa in the 19th century. The game was created by Ross Maker and David Wesely. A second edition of the game was published by Avalon Hill in 1979. The game is played on a mapboard showing Africa from Khartoum to Capetown and Lagos to Mombasa.

Why is Source of the Nile Popular?

Source of the Nile is significant because it simulates the exploration of Africa in the 19th century, a time when European explorers were discovering new lands and cultures. The game provides insight into this fascinating era and is a great deal of fun to play.

Game Components of Source of the Nile

  • Mapboard of Africa from Khartoum to Capetown and Lagos to Mombasa with a hexagonal grid
  • Explorer tokens
  • Wax crayons for marking discoveries
  • Terrain and native tribe cards
  • Discovery cards
  • Player logs for tracking expedition costs and capabilities
  • Blank labels for documenting discoveries

    How To Setup Source of the Nile

    To set up the game, players begin by placing their explorer tokens on the mapboard within the known territories of Africa circa 1820. The center of the map is blank, representing the unexplored interior. Players prepare their player logs and ensure they have the necessary cards and materials. The mapboard surface is erasable, allowing for multiple playthroughs without altering the physical state of the board.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Hex Crawl: Players move their tokens through a hexagonal grid, exploring new territories.
  • Random Discoveries: Terrain, native tribes, and other discoveries are semi-randomly determined based on the hexagon entered and previous discoveries in adjacent hexagons.
  • Interaction with Discoveries: Players interact with their discoveries, such as negotiating with native tribes for guides.
  • Recording Discoveries: Players record their findings on the mapboard using wax crayons.
  • Objective: The goal is to make significant discoveries and return to Europe to publish them, competing primarily against nature and other players.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Source of the Nile** is an immersive experience that combines strategy, luck, and historical exploration. Players delve into the uncharted interior of Africa, facing various challenges such as hostile terrain and native tribes. The game’s dynamic nature, with randomly determined discoveries, ensures each playthrough is unique. The erasable mapboard and detailed player logs add to the game’s replayability and educational value.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy: Set in the 19th century, the game provides a historical context of African exploration.
  • High Replayability: Random discoveries and an erasable mapboard ensure no two games are the same.
  • Educational: Players learn about the challenges faced by real-life explorers and the geography of Africa.
  • Strategic Depth: Players must manage resources and make strategic decisions about their expeditions.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup: The game requires careful setup and preparation, which can be time-consuming.
  • Lengthy Playtime: Games can last up to 180 minutes, which may not be suitable for all players.
  • Luck Element: The game’s reliance on random discoveries can sometimes feel unfair or unbalanced.

    Personal Thoughts on Source of the Nile

    **Source of the Nile** is ideal for players who enjoy historical simulations, strategic gameplay, and a touch of randomness. It is particularly appealing to those with an interest in Victorian-era exploration and African geography. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and length, it is a gem for enthusiasts of board games that offer depth and historical context.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl