The Voyages of Marco Polo*

The Voyages of Marco Polo is a captivating board game that allows players to relive the epic journey of Marco Polo. Set in 1271, players follow Marco Polo’s path from Venice to Kublai Khan’s court in China, navigating through ancient cities and traversing the famed Silk Road.

Gameplay Overview

• Historic Character Roles: Each player takes on the role of a historical character, each with a unique special power that influences the game.
• Game Duration: Played over five rounds, each round consists of players rolling their personal dice to perform actions.
• Actions: Actions include collecting resources or money, acquiring contracts, and traveling across the board.
• Travel Mechanics:
  • Players start in Venice and choose their route towards Beijing.
  • Establishing trading posts in cities visited, which grants extra actions or resources.
• Dice Usage: The value of dice determines the effectiveness and cost of actions. Higher value dice offer better options but may incur costs if another player has already chosen the action.
• Endgame Scoring: Points are awarded for establishing trading posts in Beijing, fulfilling the most orders, and for trading posts in secret cities (revealed at the game's start).

Conclusion

The Voyages of Marco Polo blends strategic decision-making with a historical adventure, offering a rich and immersive gaming experience. Players must judiciously manage their resources, plan their travel routes, and strategically use their dice to outmaneuver opponents. The unique abilities of the characters add depth and replayability to the game. This game is ideal for players who enjoy strategic planning and historical themes, promising a different journey with each play.