Puerto Rico Game – Award Winning Strategy Board Game
There is a resurgence in playing board games if you correlate the percentage increase in sales over the last few years. People are having board game parties and advertising campaigns have highlighted the more social aspect of playing board games over plain old computer games. Whilst board games will never rival the popularity of computer games or the versatility, in many respects, they are certainly a fun, addictive experience and capable of great complexity of game play. And depending on the type of game you play, they are also a pretty good learning experience too. In this case the Puerto Rico game fits both categories. Above all it can make an excellent gift or Christmas present for children as it has the fun and addictive qualities of a game and a deeper, educational aspect that will teach them vital skills in commerce and economics.
The main purpose of the game is to be the most prosperous at the end of play. A game can last up to 2 hours in length. It needs at least 2 players and up to 5. The English version of the game is made by Rio Grande games from the initial German design, by famous designer Andreas Seyfarth.
Background to the Game.
The game is set in the time when the West Indies and the new world were first being colonized by European nations. On the island of Puerto Rico you have to establish yourself in a particular role. There is Prospector, Captain, Mayor, Trader, Settler, Craftsman, or Builder to choose from. You are given a plantation and some money and from there you use your business acumen and strategy to dominate the island in terms of commerce and trade.
Puerto Rico Game Play.
You can produce certain types of crops such as Corn, Indigo, Coffee, Sugar and Tobacco. You can develop different types of buildings to fit into your growth strategy or your particular role. You can bring people in to work for you. As each round begins you can take on a different role, again, if it fits in with your win strategy. At the beginning of each new round, the first choice of role goes to the person on the left. The winner of the game is the most prosperous – has the most or win points, building or money.
Each player has their own board and pieces. The quality of the board and pieces is of a good standard (wooden pieces) and will last for a considerable amount of time.
Praise For The Game.
This game has been extremely well received by people since it’s release in 2002/3. It has been ranked as the best Strategy board game since it’s first release and has only recently dropped to second on this list (according to website boardgamegeek). It appeals to people that enjoy strategy games and board games in general. It has a depth and complexity that will keep you coming back for more. You will play it many times and develop new ideas the more you play it. Conversely, it is not hard to get started with this game (although you do have to read the rules and get fairly well acquainted with them to get the most out of the game). The manufacturer recommends that it is for children 12 years and up. Adults will love it too.
It makes a fine educational toy or game for kids and will teach them basic commerce and business skills but primarily will give them an insight into strategic planning.