Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
A fast-paced and satisfying exploration game for map-building lovers.
Highlights
- Very fluid archipelago exploration
- Solo mode with unique personality
- Quick and dynamic gameplay
- Great visual tile placement
Keep in mind
- Secret objectives might frustrate newbies
- Might feel too fast for some
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ready your boat and prepare to sail! In Small Islands, you are a daring explorer searching for a mysterious archipelago, teeming with natural resources and ancient temples guarding the secrets of a lost civilization. The goal is simple but requires strategy: you must bring wealth and prestige back to your clan, but time is short and the islands are treacherous! The game unfolds over up to four rounds, and in each one, you must choose a secret objective to guide your actions. The core dynamic revolves around selecting from available landscape tiles to build the island map. As the archipelago takes shape, the option to place ship tiles arises, triggering the scoring phase where all players place their houses on the islands to earn prestige. It is a very fluid tile-placement game, where every decision on where to place a tile can open or block paths for your opponents. Playing solo? Don't worry! The solo mode is a standout feature, featuring an AI with its own personality that challenges your exploratory skills. Additionally, the advanced mode allows for even more complex objective combinations, ensuring every game feels like a new discovery. It is the perfect game for those who enjoy fast-paced adventure games that blend territory building with a constant touch of risk.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
BEST
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
MushrooM Games (II), Kobold Spieleverlag, Lucky Duck Games, Playagame Edizioni, The Wood Games
Designer
Alexis Allard
Artist
Aurélie Guarino
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
2,578owners
752wishlist
99want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game take?
It's quite quick, taking about 30 minutes per session.
Can I play solo?
Absolutely! It features a very well-designed solo mode with a unique AI.
How complex is the game?
It's a light-to-medium game, easy to learn but with interesting strategic choices.
How many players is it for?
1 to 4 players, making it great for both solo play and small groups.
Is there a lot of luck involved?
There is a 'push your luck' element when choosing tiles, but strategy remains key.
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