Madeira - Pearl of the Atlantic

The island of Madeira was discovered in the 15th century by Portuguese seafarers and with its rich resources and strategic position has been crucial for what would become the Portuguese Empire. In the game, you are tasked to develop the eponymous island for the Crown. You are tasked to settle the three captaincies of Funchal, Machico and Porto Santo, open trade routes, barter with the local guilds, start expeditions and produce Madeiras famous wine.

By Nuno Bizarro Sentieiro and Paulo Soledade, illustrated by Mariano Iannelli

Box

Time your decisions

The player's ultimate goal is to develop the Island, gaining the most prestige under and for the Portuguese Crown - which has a has a series of requests regarding expeditions, urbanization, opening trade routes, increasing wealth, and controlling the guilds on the islands. Several times in the game, the players gain prestige for fulfilling certain requests by the Crown. Between that, the Crown oversees that the islands adapt to the focus of their agriculture due to the changes in the known world's economy.

Players must carefully choose the correct moment to present their achievements to the crown. Be overly eager and you will not gain as much prestige, be too humble and you will risk someone else stealing the best opportunities. Will you have what it takes to excel in all of these endeavors? Beware, wood and wheat may become scarce, gold may run out, the population is hungry, and the shadow of piracy looms large….

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Awards

  • Essen 13 Top 10 Fairplay Scout - Fairplay
  • Hits of Essen Spiel 13 Selection - Spielbox Magazine
  • Game of Year Nominee - Jocul Anului în România
  • Game of Year Winner - Jocul Anului 2013 în România
  • Meeples Choice Awards 2013 Nominee
  • Golden Elephant Heavy Game of the Year 2013 - Heavy Cardboard
  • #8 Top 10 Games of the Year 2013 - Rahdo Runs Through
  • #2 Top 10 Games of the Year 2013 - Dice Tower (Ryan Metzler)
  • #4 Heavy Game of the Year 2013 - Hall9000
  • #5 Top 10 Worker Placement Games - Rahdo Runs Through
  • #1 Top 10 Heavy Heavy Games - Rahdo Runs Through