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Trekking the National Parks: Second Edition (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

Trekking the National Parks: Second Edition is a board game that was released in 2018 as an updated version of the original game. Designed by Charlie Bink, this game is inspired by the beauty and wonder of the national parks in the United States. Players get to experience the thrill of exploring these natural wonders while learning about the environment and wildlife.

Game Components of Trekking the National Parks: Second Edition

  • Game board featuring various U.S. National Parks
  • Player tokens and tents in different colors
  • Bear token for the first player
  • Backpacker tokens
  • Major Park Cards
  • Park Cards
  • Trek Cards
  • Stones Bonus Cards
  • Stones for each location on the board

    How To Setup Trekking the National Parks: Second Edition

    To set up the game, place the massive board on your playing surface and distribute stones on each location. Each player chooses a color and receives the corresponding tents and backpacker tokens. The bear token is given to the first player, and the backpacker tokens are placed on the start space. Shuffle and set out three Major Park Cards and three other Park Cards. Shuffle the Trek Cards and give each player two to start, then set out five face-up Trek Cards near the board. Finally, place the Stones Bonus Cards within reach.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Draw a Trek Card:** Take any of the five face-up cards or draw from the deck.
  • Claim a Park Card:** Discard matching Trek Cards to claim a Park Card if you are on the corresponding location.
  • Occupy a Major Park:** Claim a Major Park Card using specific Trek Cards.
  • Move:** Move your backpacker token to a new location.

    Game Objective

    The objective is to explore as many U.S. National Parks as possible, scoring points by claiming Park Cards and occupying Major Parks. The player with the most points wins.

    Player Experience

    Trekking the National Parks offers a fun and educational experience, particularly appealing to hikers, backpackers, and those interested in the U.S. National Parks. The game combines competitive elements with informative content about various parks, making it a great choice for families or as a gift for the outdoorsy person.

    Pros

  • Educational Component:** Includes information about U.S. National Parks.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for players aged 10 and above.
  • Competitive:** Encourages strategic gameplay.
  • Visual Appeal:** Neat photography art on the cards.
  • Gateway Game:** Excellent for introducing new players to board games.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules:** Some rules may be frustrating for new players.
  • No Route-Building:** Unlike some other games, it focuses on moving to locations rather than building routes.

    Personal Thoughts on Trekking the National Parks: Second Edition

    This game is perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun, educational board game experience. It’s an excellent gateway game, especially for those who enjoy games like Ticket to Ride but prefer a theme centered around nature and exploration. While it may not offer the route-building aspect some players prefer, it remains a enjoyable and engaging game.

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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

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