
Northwest
A board game by Rick Hou
2-4 Players 20-45 minutes Low
Set Collection, Grid Movement, Square Grid, Pattern Building, Tile Placement
Abstract Strategy
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Description
Northwest is a game that's all about exploration and strategy, where 2 to 4 players get to embark on a journey of discovery in the great outdoors. The gameplay is easy to learn, making it accessible to anyone, regardless of their board game experience. Each turn, players take on the role of an adventurer, drafting memento cubes from the main exploration board by moving a shared exploration token onto the cube and adding it to their personal tableau. The twist is that the previously captured memento cube determines the next player's available move, adding a layer of unpredictability to the game. The different types of memento cubes, such as bees, mushrooms, ferns, maples, and the elusive Bigfoot, each have a unique effect on the next player's move. For example, drafting a bees or honey cube forces the next player to move in an L-shape, similar to a knight in chess, while a mushroom cube gives the next player more freedom to move into any of the surrounding spaces. As players collect these cubes, they build their own 4x4 tableau, tracking their journey and scoring victory points in different ways. The game ends when a player can't make a legal move or all players have filled their tableau, and the player with the most victory points wins. With a playtime of just 20 to 45 minutes, Northwest is a game that's perfect for a quick gaming session with friends or family. The game's designer, Rick Hou, has created a game that balances luck and strategy, making it fun and engaging for players of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking for a new adventure, Northwest is a game that's sure to deliver. So why not join the journey and see what wonders the Northwest has in store for you?
