Great Western Trail New Zealand

The cattle drive, relocated somewhere with considerably more sheep.

Late nineteenth century, and you are a runholder on the South Island — owner of a sheep station that has done rather well out of diversifying its breeds and lifting the value of its wool. This is Alexander Pfister's third standalone Great Western Trail, and it plays entirely on its own; owning the original is neither required nor especially relevant.

You move along a trail, and every building you pass belongs to somebody, so movement is the central constraint rather than a way of getting between decisions. Underneath it runs a deck-building engine: you buy sheep into a deck, and the hand you happen to draw when you deliver decides what you can actually ship. New Zealand adds ships and a map that changes which routes are worth taking at all. Heavy at 3.99, and 75 to 150 minutes.

Perfect for: Players who like a game where the map itself is the puzzle, and who will happily explain the difference between this one and the Argentina one.

1–4 players | 75–150 minutes | Age 12+

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