Spices of the World (1988) Board Game

Spices of the World is a board game released in 1988 by The Avalon Hill Game Co. It is an economic game that challenges players to strategically collect and deliver spices from around the world. With a runtime of 60 minutes and designed for 2-6 players aged 8 and up, Spices of the World offers an engaging and competitive gameplay experience.

Game Components of Spices of the World

Game board featuring a world map

Spice and recipe cards

Destination cards

Player pawns (each represented by a different spice like sesame, dill weed, mustard, pepper, rosemary, or paprika)

Tokens for each player

Dice

Sea Chance and Land Chance decks

Player markers

How To Setup Spices of the World

To set up the game, lay out the game board and shuffle the decks of cards separately, placing them on their corresponding spaces. Each player receives one pawn and two tokens of the same color, which are placed on the Baltimore space on the map. The spice directory is set up by taking as many spice/recipe cards as there are players, each paired with a destination card, and placing these pairs on the top spaces of the game board. Players roll the dice to determine who plays first, with the high roller going first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Rolling: Players roll one or both dice to determine movement.

Movement: Players move along lined routes on the board, unable to pass through the same space twice in a turn.

Spice Collection: Players can pick up spices in cities indicated by red dots, using their tokens to mark the spices.

Spice Delivery: Players deliver spices to destinations marked by black dots, earning points for each delivered spice.

Chance Cards: Players draw Sea Chance or Land Chance cards when landing on blue or green dots, respectively, which must be resolved immediately.

Piracy: Players can steal spices from other players if they land on the same space by exact count.

Game Objective

The objective is to be the first player to acquire a specified number of points, which varies by the number of players: 45 points for 2 players, 36 points for 3 players, 32 points for 4 players, 26 points for 5 players, and 21 points for 6 players.

Player Experience

Playing **Spices of the World** involves a delightful mix of strategy and luck. Players navigate the globe, collecting and delivering spices while managing the risks of chance events and potential theft by other players. The unique player markers, though somewhat large for the spaces, add a whimsical touch to the game.

Pros

Educational Aspect: Learns about different spices and their origins.

Global Navigation: Encourages strategic movement around a world map.

Interactive Elements: Chance cards and piracy mechanics add unpredictability.

Simple Rules: Easy to learn and start playing.

Cons

Component Size: Player markers are too large for some spaces on the board.

Limited Complexity: May be too simplistic for experienced gamers.

Luck Factor: Dice rolling and chance cards introduce a significant element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Spices of the World

**Spices of the World** is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those interested in light, educational games. It’s particularly suited for players who enjoy travel and economic themes without the need for complex strategies. While it may not appeal to hardcore gamers seeking deep strategic depth, it offers a fun and engaging experience for those looking to explore the world of spices in a playful way.

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