Java transports players to a lush Indonesian island where the central region remains a virgin land of fertile soil and abundant resources. Each participant takes on the role of a Javanese ruler eager to leave a mark, bringing culture, infrastructure, and power to this untamed area. At the start you receive action points that can be spent irrigating fields, planting rice, erecting villages and eventually turning those villages into palaces and cities. The board is built by tile placement, and as tiles stack, layers emerge, adding complexity and new scoring opportunities. Area control is also crucial: dominating a region grants influence and bonuses that can swing the game in the final moments.

Scoring revolves around fame points earned by expanding palaces, creating irrigation systems, and hosting royal festivals. Every action costs action points, forcing you to balance rapid development with long‑term planning. The game lasts two to four hours, with a steady pace and constant player interaction – whether blocking a rival's expansion or contesting majority in a valuable zone. As the second title in the Mask Trilogy, Java blends the strategic depth of Tikal with a more exotic aesthetic, using 3‑D components that give the island’s terrain a tangible feel. If you love city‑building, resource management, and tactical decisions, Java delivers a rich, visually striking experience with twists right up to the final scoring.