Discoveries: The Journals of Lewis & Clark*

Discoveries: The Journals of Lewis & Clark is a strategy board game that transports players back to the iconic Lewis and Clark Expedition. The game blends historical exploration with a unique dice-based gameplay mechanism.

Key Elements of Discoveries

1. Historical Theme: The game is centered around the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806, the first American overland expedition to the Pacific coast and back.
2. Player Roles: Players take on the roles of expedition members – Lewis, Clark, Gass, or Ordway – aiming to gather knowledge and document discoveries.
3. Objective: The main goal is to accumulate discovery points by collecting Tribe/Discoveries cards, which represent the knowledge compiled in the journals about new species, plants, and geographic findings.
4. Gameplay Mechanics:
   • The game heavily revolves around the strategic use of dice.
   • Players use dice to perform various exploration actions, such as preparing for expeditions, changing dice, or unlocking new actions.
   • The game involves decision-making on whether to play dice in the action area or retrieve them from the game board or other players’ areas.
5. Educational Aspect: The game offers an educational experience, enabling players to delve into a significant historical event and learn about the challenges of early American exploration.

Gameplay Experience

• Discoveries is a game of strategy and resource management, where dice act as a resource to be strategically deployed and retrieved.
• It requires players to plan and execute their actions carefully, balancing between advancing their own exploration and hindering others.
• The game encourages players to think tactically about the use of dice, making it an engaging experience for those who enjoy strategic planning and historical themes.

Conclusion

Discoveries: The Journals of Lewis & Clark stands out as a thoughtfully designed board game that combines historical exploration with a unique, dice-driven gameplay. It appeals to players who are interested in American history, exploration, and enjoy strategic decision-making in games. The blend of historical context and interactive gameplay makes it both an educational and entertaining experience.