Meople's Magazine

“The world is getting smaller” is a quote that gets thrown around a lot these days. The people saying it must have missed the implications of being in a really small world. As in: a really Small World. It’s not a very peaceful place.And even escaping underground for lack of space, does not bring you peace, because Small World Underground is just as ruthless as the original.

Bora Bora, a peaceful place in the pacific ocean. Here men are handsome and elaborately tattooed, women are beautiful and do nothing but collect seashells on the beach and the gods can be swayed to help you with a simple fruit basket. At least, all that is the case in the newest game by Stefan Feld, a game of many difficult decision, evil dice, handsome men with tattoos and … you know the rest. A very intricate game where everything is somehow connected. Bora Bora.

Looking through the window into the garden, you see two rivalling gangs of geishas fighting for control. Wait. WHAT? The setting doesn’t always have to make much sense for a beautiful game, especially not when it’s a very short and fun abstract.

When you mention modern boardgames to people who don’t play The Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride or any of the other thousands of games we call our hobby, then this is what 90% or more of them will think of. Admit it, you’ve heard that reply yourself when telling your non-gaming acquaintances about your hobby: “What, like Monopoly”?