Vagabondo (1979) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Vagabondo is an abstract strategy board game that was released in 1979 by Evermore Industries, Inc. It was designed by Peter Forbes and Brian Taylor, with artwork by Frank Baginski. The game is suitable for 2-6 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. Vagabondo is known for its unique tile placement mechanism and has gained popularity among strategy game enthusiasts over the years.

Game Components of Vagabondo

1 Vagabondo game board made of black moulded plastic with 196 squares, including 8 double squares and 4 score lines.

36 playing pieces divided into two sets: 18 pieces in three shades of blue and 18 pieces in three shades of pink. Pieces are squares or irregular shapes formed by joined squares.

A bag of scoring pegs.

How To Setup Vagabondo

To set up Vagabondo, each player selects 18 pieces in one color (either blue or pink) and three scoring pegs. The game board is placed in the middle, and players choose who starts by tossing a coin or another method. The first player places any one of their pieces on the board, except on the double squares, and scores the value of the piece using the scoring pegs.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Piece Placement: Players place pieces on the board, ensuring that pieces of the same color shade do not touch.

Scoring: The value of a piece is determined by the number of squares on its surface. Pieces placed on double squares double the value of the pieces and any pieces they touch.

Turn Structure: Players take turns placing pieces, with each piece’s score calculated based on its value and any adjacent pieces.

Objective: The game ends when all pieces are played, and the player with the highest total score wins. Games can be played with 2 to 6 players, with variations for different player numbers.

Player Experience

Vagabondo offers a strategic and challenging experience, particularly appealing to fans of abstract games and puzzle-solving. The game requires careful planning and spatial reasoning to maximize scores. It is suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a family-friendly game. The gameplay can be adjusted for simpler or faster games by using fewer pieces.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game involves complex strategic decisions, making it engaging for seasoned players.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide age range, from 8 to adults.

Adjustable Complexity: Allows for simpler or faster games by using fewer pieces.

Multiplayer: Supports 2 to 6 players, offering various gameplay dynamics.

Cons

Limited Popularity: The game was produced from 1979 to 1982/3 but did not achieve significant popularity.

Complex Rules: While the core mechanics are straightforward, some rules, such as the scoring on double squares, may require careful reading and understanding.

Personal Thoughts on Vagabondo

Vagabondo is ideal for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a challenge that requires careful planning and spatial awareness. It is a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those interested in vintage games or the works of Invicta Plastics Ltd. However, due to its relatively complex rules and the need for strategic thinking, it may not be the best fit for casual or very young players.

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