Passage to Cathay
- Designer David F. Nalle
- Publisher Ragnarok Enterprises
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Passage to Cathay, you experience trade, piracy, and warfare in the Indian Ocean. Players move ships on a large map, select actions simultaneously, and deliver goods. The rules are flexible, allowing varied scenarios and strategies, including advanced options for plunder and crew training.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for experienced gamers aged 12 and up, this game offers complex economic and tactical challenges. With a playtime of about 120 minutes, it requires patience and strategic thinking. Prior knowledge of Area Movement and Pick-up and Deliver mechanics is beneficial.
How It Works
Players move ships around the Indian Ocean (Area Movement) and select actions simultaneously (Simultaneous Action Selection). The game combines dice rolling with strategic trade and piracy (Pick-up and Deliver). Flexible rules provide both basic and advanced gameplay options.
What Makes It Special
Designed by David F. Nalle and nominated for the 1984 Charles S. Roberts Best Pre-Twentieth Century Game award, Passage to Cathay is part of the Indian Ocean regional series and can be combined with related games for larger campaigns. Its mix of trade, piracy, and warfare was unique for its time.
Awards
- 1984 Charles S. Roberts Best Pre-Twentieth Century Game — Nominated
Pro
- Combines trade, piracy, and warfare
- Flexible rules with advanced options
- Simultaneous Action Selection adds tension
- 1984 Charles S. Roberts Award nominee
Contra
- Long playtime around 120 minutes
- Requires learning complex mechanics
- Not suitable for beginners
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the 18th century Indian Ocean and surrounding regions, the game reflects an era of trade, piracy, and colonial competition.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take your time to understand the mechanics and start with simpler scenarios before adding advanced rules.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Passage to Cathay is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts about 120 minutes, plus setup time for the large map and components.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with Area Movement and Pick-up and Deliver mechanics helps, as the game features complex economic and tactical elements.
How does this compare to similar games?
Passage to Cathay uniquely combines trade, piracy, and warfare in the Indian Ocean and offers advanced rules that set it apart from other historical economic games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it is better suited for experienced players aged 12 and up rather than families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Area Movement and Simultaneous Action Selection with advanced plunder and crew training rules makes the game stand out.
Fazit
Passage to Cathay is recommended for players seeking historical economic games with tactical depth and who are comfortable with longer play sessions.
