Madeira

2-4

Players

150

Minutes

12+

Age

2013

Published

Designer Nuno Bizarro Sentieiro , Paulo Soledade
Publisher What's Your Game? , 999 Games , hobbity.eu , IELLO , Red Glove
Illustration Mariano Iannelli

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What to Expect

In Madeira, players take the role of colonial settlers on the Portuguese island during the 15th century. You cultivate fields, produce sugar and Madeira wine, build structures, and send ships on trade routes. The game uses dice rolling and worker placement with dice workers to plan actions and gain influence. Strategic adaptation to royal demands and timing of fulfilling orders are key to gaining prestige and success.

Who Is This Game For?

Madeira is aimed at experienced strategy gamers aged 12 and up who enjoy complex economic games. With a duration of about 150 minutes, it requires patience and strategic thinking. Prior experience with worker placement and dice-influenced gameplay helps to leverage the many options effectively.

How It Works

The core mechanic involves worker placement using dice as workers. Turn order is influenced by pass order and status-based mechanisms. Area majority is important for controlling regions and fulfilling royal requests. Players manage resources like wood, sugar, and wine to develop cities and engage in trade.

Area Majority / Influence Dice Rolling Turn Order: Pass Order Turn Order: Stat-Based Worker Placement Worker Placement with Dice Workers

What Makes It Special

Designed by Nuno Bizarro Sentieiro and Paulo Soledade, Madeira won the Jocul Anului în România Advanced Award in 2013 and received several nominations including the Meeples Choice Award. It combines complex economic mechanisms with a historical colonial theme and offers a unique gameplay experience through its blend of dice rolling and worker placement.

Awards

2014 JUG Adult Game of the Year — Finalist
2013 Jocul Anului în România Advanced — Winner
2013 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
2013 The Golden Elephant Award Best Heavy Board Game — Winner
2013 The Golden Elephant Award — Finalist

Pro

Deep economic and strategic gameplay
Integration of dice rolling into worker placement
Historically inspired colonial theme
High replayability through variable orders and influence mechanics

Contra

Long playtime of about 150 minutes
High complexity demands patience and experience
Not suitable for families with younger children

Setting & Atmosphäre

The game is set on the Portuguese island of Madeira in the 15th century during the era of colonial expansion. The theme revolves around agriculture, trade, city development, and fulfilling royal mandates in a historical colony.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus first on understanding the basic flow of worker placement and dice influence before exploring complex strategies.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

Madeira is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.

How long does a game really take?

A typical game lasts around 150 minutes, plus setup time.

What prior experience do I need?

Experience with complex worker placement and dice rolling mechanics helps with the learning curve.

How does this compare to similar games?

Madeira uniquely blends dice rolling with worker placement and area majority in a historical colonial setting.

Is this suitable for families?

Due to its complexity and length, Madeira is better suited for experienced gamers rather than families with young children.

What mechanic makes it special?

The use of dice as workers in the worker placement system is the game's standout mechanic.

Fazit

Madeira is a demanding economic strategy simulation with deep worker placement and dice influence. Recommended for players who appreciate long play sessions and complex mechanics.