Jamaica: The Crew

GameWorks SàRL, Space Cowboys, Popcorn Games · Board game · 2017
8.0 Ludopedia 7.8 BGG 2–6 · best 5 30–75 min Weight 1.9/5
Buy · from US$ 6.89
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Perfect for those who own the base game and want more strategic variety without complicating the rules. The highlight is the balance between gold bonuses and space risk.

Highlights
  • Characters with fun special powers
  • Easy to learn and implement
  • Increases the game's replayability
  • Gold bonuses that shift scoring
Keep in mind
  • Requires the base game to play
  • Can make navigation frustrating if overdone
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you already love the vibe of Jamaica, get ready to upgrade your crew! Jamaica: The Crew isn't the kind of expansion that flips the game upside down with complex rules; instead, it injects more flavor and personality into the treasure race. The heart of this content is a set of twenty new characters, each bringing a special power that can shift the dynamic of your match.

It works in a very intuitive way: you hire these characters by paying the harbor fee, and they occupy space on your ship exactly like any other common resource. This is where the big strategic dilemma comes in: is it worth crowding the deck with people? The answer is: it depends on your risk appetite. Most of these crew members guarantee a valuable gold bonus at the end of the game, which is very tempting. However, remember that every character hired is one less slot for regular resources. If you overdo the hiring, your navigation can become much more unstable and risky, turning your voyage into a nautical roulette.

It's the perfect addition for those who feel the base game needed a bit more 'organized chaos'. You get more layers of decision-making without having to read a hundred-page manual. It's more challenge, more laughs from absurd situations, and, of course, much more pirate spirit. If you want your games to have more variety and that touch of 'is this actually going to work?', The Crew is the way to go. It's basically taking the fun you already know and giving it an extra boost, making the struggle for the Caribbean even more vibrant and competitive.

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Jamaica: The Crew Portuguese · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST
6 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Country: Jamaica Theme: Colonial
Publisher GameWorks SàRL, Space Cowboys, Popcorn Games, Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Designer Bruno Cathala, Malcolm Braff, Sébastien Pauchon
Artist Mathieu Leyssenne

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

6,563owners
530wishlist
145want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Do I need the base game to play?
Yes! This is an expansion, so you need Jamaica to use these characters.
Do the rules change a lot with the expansion?
Not really; the core of the game remains the same. The characters just add new options and powers without altering the basic structure.
Do the characters make the game harder?
They add a layer of risk. Since they take up cargo space, you'll have less room for resources, making the voyage more dangerous.
How many characters are included?
There are 20 different characters, each with their own special ability.
Is it worth it for family gaming?
Absolutely! Since implementation is simple, it won't scare off casual players and adds a fun spice to the matches.