Maka Bana
- Designer François Haffner
- Publisher Arclight Games , IELLO , Kaissa Chess & Games , Sweet Games , Tilsit
- Illustration Johann Aumaitre , David Cochard , Jérémie Fleury
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players place huts on the fictional island Maka Bana by playing card combinations of terrain, symbols, and beach names. Points come from isolated and adjacent huts. A TIKI statue can block opponents, and color-change cards allow hut takeover. Legal cheating rules add strategic depth. The game ends when a player places all huts or a beach is full.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for 3 to 6 players aged 10 and up, Maka Bana is a medium-complexity game lasting about 60 minutes. It suits players who enjoy tactical bluffing and simultaneous action selection without being overwhelmed by rules.
How It Works
Each player simultaneously plays three cards—one face-up and two face-down—that define a board space by terrain, symbol, and beach name. Huts are placed accordingly, scoring points for adjacency. The secret unit deployment combined with simultaneous action selection encourages bluffing and interaction. The TIKI piece blocks opponents’ moves strategically.
What Makes It Special
François Haffner’s Maka Bana was nominated for the 2005 As d'Or - Jeu de l'Année. It belongs to the Tilsit Collection and uniquely combines bluff with secret unit deployment and simultaneous action selection, featuring a legal cheating rule for added tension.
Awards
2005
Pro
- Bluff mechanics with secret unit deployment
- Simultaneous action selection increases interaction
- Legal cheating rule adds unique tension
- Nominated for As d'Or - Jeu de l'Année 2005
Contra
- No solo mode; requires 3-6 players
- Moderate complexity demands some rule familiarity
- About 60 minutes playtime requires patience
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set on the fictional tropical island of Maka Bana, the game evokes a relaxed but strategic vacation vibe with beaches, huts, and tiki statues.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Pay close attention to how others play their cards and use bluffing to your advantage.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Maka Bana requires 3 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts around 60 minutes, suitable for a game night.
What prior experience do I need?
It is a medium-complexity game best for players familiar with bluffing and simultaneous action mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
Maka Bana uniquely combines bluff with secret unit deployment and a legal cheating rule.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and minimum age of 10, it is better suited for experienced players than for families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of secret unit deployment and simultaneous action selection defines its gameplay.
Fazit
Maka Bana is recommended for players who appreciate bluffing and interactive tactical games of moderate length. It is less suitable for families or casual gamers due to its mechanics and complexity.
