| | | | | |

Tucana Builders (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Tucana Builders is a board game released in 2023, designed by Gjermund Bohne, Yan Moussu, and OffDutyNinja. It is published by Aporta Games and falls under the categories of Animals and Puzzle. The game is designed for 1-5 players, with a runtime of around 30 minutes and is suitable for ages 10 and above.

Game Components of Tucana Builders

  • Player Boards:** Each player gets a board.
  • Huts:** 2 huts of each color (yellow, red, blue).
  • Starting Tiles:** 6 starting tiles per player.
  • Path Tiles:** 120 tiles.
  • Terrain Cards:** A deck of cards.
  • Wild Cards:** One Wild card per player.
  • Scoreboard:** With three different tracks (yellow, red, blue).
  • Scoring Tokens:** For tracking points.
  • Achievement Cards:** Optional for advanced players.

    How To Setup Tucana Builders

    Setup is straightforward. Each player receives a player board, 2 huts of each color, and a set of starting tiles. The starting cards are shuffled and played to determine the placement of the starting tiles and huts on each board. The path tiles and terrain cards are shuffled and kept face down. If playing with achievement cards, two are dealt out randomly. The scoreboard is set up with each player’s markers on the three tracks.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay:** Played over two rounds, each with 12 turns.
  • Turn Sequence:** A terrain card is flipped, and each player draws a path tile to place on their board matching the terrain type.
  • Wild Card:** Each player can use their Wild card once per round to place a tile on any terrain type.
  • Scoring:** After each round, score points for animals connected to corresponding huts. Toucans are wild and score for any hut.
  • Objective:** Connect animals to their respective huts to score points. Connections scoring in round 1 also score in round 2.

    Player Experience

    Tucana Builders is a fast-paced puzzle game that challenges players to make the most of random tile draws. The game requires balancing short-term and long-term strategies, as connections made in the first round also score in the second. The Wild card adds a layer of flexibility, but luck of the draw significantly impacts gameplay. Players must navigate the restrictive tile placement, which can be frustrating but also adds to the game’s challenge and excitement.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple setup and rules make it accessible to new players.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires balancing short-term and long-term strategies.
  • Variability:** Random tile draws ensure different gameplay each time.
  • Achievement Cards:** Add an extra layer of complexity and challenge for advanced players.
  • Family Friendly:** Suitable for players aged 10 and up.

    Cons

  • Luck-Dependent:** The random draw of tiles can significantly impact success.
  • Restrictive Placement:** Can be frustrating when tiles do not match the desired terrain.
  • Component Quality:** Some components, like the scoring board, have been noted as less than ideal.

    Personal Thoughts on Tucana Builders

    Tucana Builders is ideal for fans of tile-laying puzzles and those who enjoy strategic games with a touch of luck. It is a great addition to any board game collection, especially for families or groups looking for a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. However, players who prefer games with more control over their outcomes might find the luck element frustrating. Overall, it offers a unique and engaging gaming experience that requires strategic thinking and adaptability.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • 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

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *