Niagara: Diamond Joe

Rio Grande Games, Zoch Verlag · Board game · 2005
8.0 Ludopedia 6.3 BGG 3–5 · best 4 45 min Weight 1.8/5
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8.0 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Enjoyed Niagara and want more? This Diamond Joe expansion adds a shrewd trader who might give you that missing gem, but watch out for those trades!

Highlights
  • More interaction and bargaining
  • Harder-to-reach gems
  • Small yet impactful expansion
  • Keeps game simplicity
Keep in mind
  • Negotiations can be unfair
  • Relies on Joe's luck
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

Get ready to ride the Niagara river with an extra dose of excitement and business opportunities! Niagara: Diamond Joe is an expansion that introduces a new character to stir things up: Diamond Joe. He's not just any boatman; he's a shrewd negotiator who cruises down the river, often carrying those harder-to-reach gems – the ones you've been eyeing from afar. And the best part? He's willing to trade with you! Just don't expect him to be fair. Diamond Joe might make offers that seem too good to be true (for him, of course), but who are we to judge a good deal, right? This expansion comes in a charming little cotton bag, along with the rules and the boat Joe uses for his travels. If you already enjoy the hustle of Niagara and want to add an extra layer of interaction and tactical decisions, this one's for you. It doesn't radically change the game, but it adds that spice that makes all the difference, especially when you desperately need that specific gem and Diamond Joe shows up like a savior (or an opportunist!). It's a small addition, but with a noticeable impact on the game dynamics, encouraging new strategies and unexpected bargaining moments. Perfect for those who want more Niagara without overcomplicating the rules.

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Niagara: Diamond Joe Portuguese · PDF
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Best player count

BGG community vote

3–5 players
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Rivers: Niagara
Publisher Rio Grande Games, Zoch Verlag
Designer Thomas Liesching
Artist Victor Boden

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,087owners
99wishlist
43want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Does this expansion significantly change the base Niagara game?
No, it adds a new layer of interaction with Diamond Joe and his trades, but keeps the main structure of the base game intact.
How many players can use this expansion?
Just like the base game, the expansion is for 3 to 5 players.
Is Diamond Joe controlled by a player or an AI?
Diamond Joe is a neutral character, controlled by the expansion's rules, who appears on the river to trade with all players.
Are trades with Diamond Joe always more advantageous for him?
Generally yes, he tends to make trades that benefit him more, but depending on the situation and available gems, there can be opportunities for players too.
Do I need to have played Niagara before to understand this expansion?
Absolutely! This expansion is meant to be used with the base game Niagara. It adds elements but doesn't replace the core rules.
What is the estimated playtime with this expansion?
The playtime remains similar to the base game, around 45 minutes, as the expansion adds interactions without drastically extending the rounds.