I’m thinking of giving this game to my sister/brother-in-law but I have a few questions. Note that I have never played the game, but have heard good things about it (its #1 overall at www.boardgamegeek.com).
Is the game OK for “normal” people (i.e. not game geeks)? My sis/b-i-l enjoy Settlers and Carcasonne. But they tried playing Settlers with a neighbor (who just got the game) but had trouble. (note that my sis/b-iil had only played twice at this point)
How good are the 2 player variants? (could they play it by themsleves or only when I visit?)
I’ve looked at some of the playing aids at BGG, any suggestions on which are the best or does anyone else have good links for help?
It’s a fun game. It is pretty complicated and it takes a game or so to pick it up- it’s not such a great general audience game. I’m pretty sure you need three people to play it.
I’d say that at first, it’s even less accessible than those two games, since the winning conditions and strategies don’t seem very connected to each other. And the catch is that while not appearing so, everything is very interconnected.
But its very uniqueness can be a strength, too, since people who “don’t like” board games might like this one. But if you don’t think they have the willpower to sit through one game before coming to a conclusion, it’s not for them.
On the other hand, anyone who at least likes some intelectually challenging board games will like PR. We have to counsel people whom our gaming group plays this with to not rush out and buy their own copy, as everyone who plays it likes it so much they want to buy it!
If the neighbors like games as complicated as chess or bridge, for instance, then just as soon as the first game starts to come to a close, a lightbulb might pop up over their head and they’ll think “ahhhh, so THAT’S what this game is all about! Let’s start over so I can play it the right way!” And the chess analogy is a good one, since PR is nearly entirely deterministic: if they don’t enjoy being beholden to the dice all the time like in most strategy games, they will like it.
Then again, it might not, since I’ve never played it with a true non-gamer.
Puerto Rico is a great game. But while it’s not a difficult game, it is not a typical one. People used to Monopoly variants are going to find it different (there’s no board or dice). It’s also not a two player game: I think you need 4-6 players to play it.
Agree with the points mentioned above. Its harder than Carc or Settlers but probably the best BG I ever played.
The 2 player variants are ok - played my SO on many occasions. BGG is the best place for player aids. I find that one intro game is enough to get people hooked on this.
I shall echo the sentiments Even Sven. Puerto Rico is one of the best board games I’ve ever played but for those who are used to Monopoly it might prove to be difficult. I introduced Carcassonne to my in-laws and they loved it and I plan on giving Settler’s of Catan a shot next. I don’t think they’re ready for games like Puerto Rico or Amun-Re. If you already own Puerto Rico I suggest playing the game with them once or twice before purchasing it for them.