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Wide World (1956) Board Game

ByMichail

Wide World is a board game that was released in 1956 by Parker Brothers. It is an aviation and transportation-themed game that allows players to experience the excitement of traveling around the world. The game has been enjoyed by players of all ages for decades and continues to be a popular choice for game nights.

Game Components of Wide World

  • Board: A world map
  • Instructions**
  • 6 Metal plane tokens**
  • 20 Destination cards**
  • 28 Travel Cards**
  • 56 Product cards**
  • 6 Dice**
  • Weather Vane** (in later versions): A plastic sheet that covers a quarter of the board.

    How To Setup Wide World

    To set up the game, players start by distributing the Destination cards, which outline the various places they need to visit. Each player chooses a metal plane token to represent them on the board. The Travel Cards and Product cards are placed within reach of all players. The board, which features a world map, is laid out and ready for play.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: Be the first player to visit all your destinations and return home, earning the most points.
  • Gameplay:
    – Players roll a die to determine how many squares they can move.
    – Players can land on their destinations if they are within the rolled number of squares.
    – Landing on a red spot requires taking a Travel Agent card and following its instructions.
    – Visiting a destination earns two Product cards, worth 1 or 2 points each.
    – The player who completes all their destinations and returns home gets an extra 5 points.
    – The player with the most points wins.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Wide World** is a fun and straightforward experience. The game combines luck, through dice rolling and card drawing, with a simple strategic element of managing your movements to reach destinations efficiently. The addition of Travel Agent cards and the Weather Vane in later versions adds an element of unpredictability, keeping the game engaging.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: Simple setup and gameplay make it accessible to a wide range of players.
  • Family Friendly: Suitable for families with children due to its straightforward mechanics.
  • Variable Gameplay: The use of Travel Agent cards and the Weather Vane ensures different experiences each time.

    Cons

  • Luck-Dependent: The game relies heavily on dice rolls and card draws, which can be frustrating for some players.
  • Limited Strategy: The game’s strategy is relatively simple, which might not appeal to players looking for more complex gameplay.

    Personal Thoughts on Wide World

    **Wide World** is an excellent choice for families or casual gamers looking for a light, fun experience. It’s ideal for those who enjoy travel-themed games and are not seeking deep, complex strategies. The game’s simplicity and unpredictability make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those interested in vintage games. However, players seeking more strategic depth might find it less engaging.

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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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