Trails (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Trails is a board game released in 2021 by Keymaster Games, designed by Henry Audubon. The game is set in the wilderness, where players take on the role of hikers exploring trails and encountering various animals and environmental elements. With stunning artwork from the Fifty-Nine Parks Print Series, Trails offers a visually immersive experience for players.

Game Components of Trails

42 Badge Cards

32 Photo Cards

1 Sun Token (wood)

4 Hikers (wood)

1 Wildlife Bear (wood)

1 Bear Die (wood)

4 Canteens (cardboard)

7 Trail Cards (cardboard)

45 resource cubes (wood) representing acorns, leaves, and rocks

1 Bird Trophy (cardboard).

How To Setup Trails

To set up Trails, players randomly lay out the Trail cards, which include the Trailhead and Trail End tiles. The number of players determines which side of these tiles to use. The resource cubes, badge cards, and photo cards are placed within reach. Each player chooses a hiker and places it at the Trailhead or Trail End. The sun token is positioned at the start of the trail, and the bear token is placed on a random trail card. Players start with a canteen and a badge card in hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players move their hiker 1-2 spaces along the trail or use their canteen to move as far as they want.

Resource Collection: Players collect resources (acorns, leaves, rocks) or take actions like exchanging resources or taking photos.

Badge Acquisition: At the Trailhead and Trail End, players can turn in resources to earn badges, which provide various benefits.

Sun Mechanic: Reaching the Trail End moves the sun token, simulating the setting sun and flipping trail tiles to reveal more powerful actions.

Wildlife Encounters: Landing on a space with the bear token allows players to roll a die for bonus actions.

Game Objective: The goal is to collect the most points by earning badges, taking photos, and collecting bird icons before the sun token reaches the end of the trail.

Player Experience

Trails is described as a chill and relaxing game that is easy to teach and quick to play. The game’s beautiful artwork, commissioned from the 59 Parks Print Series, adds to its appeal. Players enjoy the thematic elements, such as the setting sun mechanism and encountering wildlife, which add a layer of excitement without introducing too much complexity. However, some players find the gameplay repetitive and lacking in significant player interaction.

Pros

Beautiful Artwork: The game features stunning artwork from the 59 Parks Print Series.

Easy to Learn: Trails has a simple and quick setup, making it accessible to new players.

Thematic Mechanics: The sun setting and wildlife encounters add a thematic touch to the game.

Affordable: Priced under $20, making it a great value for the quality and content.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last 20-40 minutes, making it a great fit for busy schedules.

Cons

Repetitive Gameplay: The game can feel repetitive, with decisions often boiling down to resource collection.

Lack of Player Interaction: There is minimal interaction between players, which can make the game less engaging.

Limited Resources: In games with four players, resources and certain cards can run out quickly.

Simple Decision-Making: The game lacks complex decision-making, which might not appeal to players seeking more strategic depth.

Personal Thoughts on Trails

Trails is ideal for those looking for a light, easy-to-play game that offers a relaxing experience. It is perfect for couples or families who enjoy outdoor themes and are seeking a game that is both aesthetically pleasing and simple to understand. While it may not offer the strategic depth of its predecessor, Parks, Trails stands on its own as a more streamlined and accessible game that still provides a fun and thematic experience.

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