The Island of El Dorado

I recently picked up "The Island of El Dorado" and have been enjoying it quite a bit. The game is a mix of strategy and luck, reminiscent of Catan with a dash of Risk thrown in, and it's been a hit with my family and friends. The setup is fun, with the board being different every time you play as you explore and reveal tiles. This element of surprise adds a lot of replayability, and there's always something new to discover.

The game's mechanics are straightforward enough to pick up quickly, but there's definitely room for strategic decisions as you gather resources, build settlements, and fight for control of the shrines. The combat system is particularly exciting, especially when fighting for control of the coveted cave shrine. While there is a fair amount of dice rolling involved, the strategy comes into play as you plan your moves and manage your resources.

One of the biggest draws for me is the game's beautiful production quality. The box, with its magnetic closure and sturdy insert, is a pleasure to open, and the game pieces are top-notch. The thick cardboard tiles, detailed artwork, and painted wooden player pieces really elevate the experience. While some reviewers have mentioned that the card quality could be better, I haven't found it to be an issue.

The game does have some drawbacks. The rulebook can be a bit confusing at first, so I recommend watching a few playthrough videos on YouTube for a better understanding. Some players also feel that the game relies too much on luck, especially early on. While this is true to some extent, the strategic elements become more prominent as the game progresses.

Overall, "The Island of El Dorado" is a fun and engaging game that offers a good balance of strategy and luck. It's perfect for a game night with friends or family and provides plenty of replayability with its dynamic board setup. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid, well-produced board game with a touch of exploration and combat.