Maori

MAORI: at first, all we see is an endless sea. But wait, there!!! Land in site! Its an island. An isle with sumptuous palm trees. We must visit this island. There, we can trade what we have for the natives' shells. With shells, we can explore more successfully to gain the islands we seek. In MAORI, the players try to discover their own island worlds. On the islands they find, they can acquire palms and huts of their own. And there is more: boats increase the rate of discovery and shells provide additional options in this simple, yet sophisticated game. Game Contents: * 97 island tiles in the following forms o 10 Individual Islands o 54 End Pieces o 14 Middle Pieces o 17 Water Tiles o 2 Volcanos o Additionally, the island tiles show other symbols: palms, huts, shells, ships and leis. o Note: as there are no curve tiles, only straight islands can be "discovered". * 5 player boards (2-sided) " 30 shells " 1 explorer ship * 5 small ships in the player colors (used only with the variations)

2-5 players

ages 8 and up

30-45 minutes

Charis Games Review: Maori Island Game by Rio Grande Games

Awards:

• Spiel des Jahres Recommended 2009

Maori a tile laying game from Rio Grande.  Maori is designed for 2 - 5 players and plays just as well with 2 players as 3 to 5.  Players take turns moving their boats and selecting new tiles to place on their game board.  The tiles contain water and islands, some islands contain palms and huts which count as extra points.  Through clever game play, players can build multiple boats (which increase their discover rate).  Clever tile placement will allow players to multiply their island points.

In short, Maori is quick moving, light-strategy game that plays best with 2 - 3 players.   It is a good filler game or designer game for players who are not looking for something as involved as Puerto Rico, Dominion, or Settlers of Catan.