Treasure Island (2003) Board Game

Treasure Island is a board game released in 2003, based on the classic novel of the same name by Robert Louis Stevenson. Designed by Burley Games, this game takes players on a thrilling adventure as they search for buried treasure on a mysterious island.

Game Components of Treasure Island

Large central map featuring a brightly colored island

Mini maps for each player

Player screens for hiding information

Dry erase markers of various colors

Tokens for clues

Character-specific abilities and templates for movement and searching

Prisons on the board for Long John Silver

How To Setup Treasure Island

To set up Treasure Island, players first place the large central map in the middle of the playing area. Each player receives a mini map and a player screen. Before the game begins, Long John Silver secretly “buries the treasure” by drawing an X on his mini map. He then hands out a “clue” to each player in the form of a token, indicating one portion of the map where the treasure is NOT buried.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Semi-cooperative gameplay

Clue distribution and deduction

Movement and searching on the island

Use of dry erase markers to mark up maps

Game Objective

The other players aim to find Long John Silver’s buried treasure before he escapes from prison and retrieves it himself.

Long John Silver’s goal is to provide unhelpful clues and mislead the other players to protect his treasure.

Player Experience

In Treasure Island, players are fully immersed in the pirate theme, with each player having unique roles and objectives. The game involves a mix of cooperation and deception, as players must work together to find the treasure while also trying to outsmart Long John Silver. The use of dry erase markers to update the maps adds a dynamic and interactive element to the game.

Pros

Engaging pirate theme

Semi-cooperative gameplay promotes teamwork and strategy

Asymmetrical roles add complexity and fun

Interactive map-marking mechanic

High replayability due to the dynamic clue system

Cons

Can be lengthy and tense, especially in the final turns

Reflection from the shiny map surface can be annoying

Some clues may not be clear, requiring extra time to confirm

Personal Thoughts on Treasure Island

Treasure Island is an excellent game for families and groups who enjoy cooperative and semi-cooperative games with a strong theme. It is particularly suited for players who like deduction, strategy, and a bit of deception. The game’s unique mechanics and interactive elements make it a standout in the board game world. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking quick, simple games or those who prefer purely competitive gameplay.

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