Game Review: Mission Amazonia – A Strategic Deckbuilding Adventure
Title: Mission Amazonia
Genre: Deckbuilding Strategy Board Game
Developer: Verein Analoges Spielen & Lernen
Kickstarter Campaign Launch Date: October 22, 2024
I had the opportunity to preview a prototype of Mission Amazonia, which will be launching on Kickstarter next month. This cooperative deck-building campaign game spans 10 chapters that you and your team can play through. As you complete the chapters and the 12 necessary missions, you’ll progress further in the campaign. You will be working across three states—Rondônia, Pará, and the Amazonas. Each chapter is set five years apart, and when you return to the same area, you'll see developments on the map that reflect the passage of time in the regions.
Your goal is to complete the missions as efficiently as possible to protect as many endangered species as you can. You achieve this by placing 12 animal markers on the success track before placing 12 markers on the failure track.
Gameplay
Each player begins with a character and a starting deck of 8 cards. On your turn, you will draw 4 cards. Your goal is to reach the mission coordinates and meet the necessary requirements to complete them. Once you succeed, you'll be one step closer to winning the game. Place an animal on the success track to mark your progress.
Some missions may involve conflicts, and to determine if your character took any damage, you'll need to roll the die. After 3 hits of damage, your character must be retired. At the end of the round, if you were unable to complete a certain number of missions, place that corresponding number of animals on the failure track. If the same animal appears twice on the failure track, it is considered endangered, and you must place a red list token on the track as well.
Play continues with players attempting to complete the 12 mission cards before their last token is placed on the failure track. Unexpected events will occur after the 7th and 9th successful missions. The game ends when either the success or failure track is completely filled.
Since this is a deck-building game, it's crucial to improve your deck as soon as possible. As in many games, money plays an important role, and you'll need to find the right balance between spending on additional equipment and saving for future needs. Some of the equipment you can use to upgrade your deck includes vehicles, night vision devices, GPS units, and tools. The campaign offers a 10+ hour experience where the first 9 chapters are played cooperatively as a team, while the final chapter is played competitively.
I only had the chance to explore a few chapters over the weekend. We started with the first chapter to ease into the game. This was by far the hardest, primarily due to the limited deck of cards and equipment available for purchase. While it helped us understand the gameplay, it was frustrating because we didn't invest enough in upgrades and quickly lost as too many animals ended up on the red list. We later attempted Chapters 4 & 8 and had a much better outcome, ultimately winning.
Each player begins with a character and a starting deck of 8 cards. On your turn, you will draw 4 cards. Your goal is to reach the mission coordinates and meet the necessary requirements to complete them. Once you succeed, you'll be one step closer to winning the game. Place an animal on the success track to mark your progress.
Some missions may involve conflicts, and to determine if your character took any damage, you'll need to roll the die. After 3 hits of damage, your character must be retired. At the end of the round, if you were unable to complete a certain number of missions, place that corresponding number of animals on the failure track. If the same animal appears twice on the failure track, it is considered endangered, and you must place a red list token on the track as well.
Play continues with players attempting to complete the 12 mission cards before their last token is placed on the failure track. Unexpected events will occur after the 7th and 9th successful missions. The game ends when either the success or failure track is completely filled.
Since this is a deck-building game, it's crucial to improve your deck as soon as possible. As in many games, money plays an important role, and you'll need to find the right balance between spending on additional equipment and saving for future needs. Some of the equipment you can use to upgrade your deck includes vehicles, night vision devices, GPS units, and tools. The campaign offers a 10+ hour experience where the first 9 chapters are played cooperatively as a team, while the final chapter is played competitively.
I only had the chance to explore a few chapters over the weekend. We started with the first chapter to ease into the game. This was by far the hardest, primarily due to the limited deck of cards and equipment available for purchase. While it helped us understand the gameplay, it was frustrating because we didn't invest enough in upgrades and quickly lost as too many animals ended up on the red list. We later attempted Chapters 4 & 8 and had a much better outcome, ultimately winning.
Visuals and Design
This game is centered around environmental consciousness, which is why the creator has chosen sustainable materials and eco-friendly production methods. The rulebook goes beyond just explaining the game; it also serves an educational purpose, providing information about sustainable practices, endangered animal species, and organizations that help fight against these crucial issues. This makes the game appealing not only to casual gamers but also to those in educational settings.
My thoughts
- Difficulty and Learning Curve: Mission Amazonia strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and complexity. The game’s moderate difficulty makes it welcoming for beginners, while still offering enough depth to engage seasoned players. The rules are well-structured and intuitive, enabling players to quickly grasp the basic mechanics. As the game progresses, new strategies and challenges are gradually introduced, allowing players to adapt without feeling overwhelmed. This ensures that players of all skill levels can enjoy and master the game at their own pace.
- Game Length and Pace: The game’s campaign is designed to span over 10 hours, with varied missions that keep the gameplay dynamic and engaging throughout. Unlike some other campaign-style games, Mission Amazonia doesn’t require you to write on any materials, allowing you to revisit and replay any chapter at any time. Each chapter can be completed in about 45 to 60 minutes, making it a fairly quick gaming experience.
- Balance and Strategy: Mission Amazonia provides a gameplay experience that demands careful strategy and teamwork. Players must manage their equipment effectively, deciding when to invest in specific components or utilize technological tools like drones. The game fosters strong collaboration and adaptive thinking, making each decision crucial and impactful. Balancing risks and rewards is key as you work together to achieve your objectives.
- Target Audience: I believe this game is especially well-suited for families, environmental enthusiasts, and strategy game fans. Its blend of cooperative gameplay and educational themes makes it an excellent choice for players interested in learning about environmental conservation while enjoying a challenge. The game's emphasis on teamwork and real-world issues will resonate with those seeking a more meaningful gaming experience. It’s an ideal pick for anyone who values both fun and purpose in their gaming sessions.
- Educational Value: Mission Amazonia stands out for its educational component, seamlessly integrating the importance of rainforest conservation into its gameplay. As players undertake missions to protect the Amazon, they encounter real-world environmental challenges such as illegal logging, poaching, and deforestation. The game’s rulebook and supplementary materials offer valuable information about endangered species and sustainable practices, making it not just a game but a powerful tool for raising awareness and educating players about the importance of protecting our planet. Additionally, a teacher's guide has been developed, making Mission Amazonia suitable for classroom use with students aged 10 and up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mission Amazonia stands out as a compelling addition to the world of board games, merging strategic depth with an urgent environmental message. Its cooperative gameplay encourages players to work together towards a common goal while fostering a deeper appreciation for the Amazon's vital ecosystems. Whether you’re an avid board gamer or someone who cares about environmental conservation, Mission Amazonia is a project that deserves your support. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this innovative game by backing it on Kickstarter. Your support will contribute to bringing a unique gaming experience to life.
Kickstarter: Support the Project on Kickstarter
Website: Mission Amazonia
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