This review will outline why I think (not that you should care, but since you're reading this so you may very well do. ) Manila should be in every Meh-Gamer's collection.
As usual, here's a preface about me and my 'gaming group':
We are what some people here called the 'meh-gamers.' I'm the one that's crazed in this wonderful hobby, my wife is cringing at the money I spent on it, and my friends aren't exactly gamers. They like to socialize and have fun. Our gaming sessions usually consist of about 10 people where 2 simultaneous games are going on at the same time. We like our games to be pretty, exciting, non-complicated, and most importantly fun. The games we like are in the 2-3 on the weight rating. If this fits you and your group, then read on!
I stumbled upon Manila as I browsed around for my annual game order. At this point I only had about 5 games in my collection, so I was looking for a game that will have lots of replay value. After hearing lots of good things about it, the only thing that stood before me and the 'purchase' button was the fact that it's not in the top 100 on BGG. To make a long story short, this experience makes me realize (just as most of you have too) that BGG rating is not the ultimate tool in making decision on which games you should buy. Its an absolute delight, and I am so glad to have picked the game up!
So here's why I think Manila should be in your collection:
1. It's got gorgeous, gorgeous components
Hint for you men trying to lure your non-gamer wife to gaming: Get good games with pretty, colorful components. When I got the game I was a little worried that it felt light, but opening the box proved to be a delight. Believe the hype! The game is drop-dead gorgeous. I love the attention to little details. Much have been said about the cool-looking coins, but it goes beyond that. Pretty, colorful game board that's totally functional. Meeples wearing hats. 304
Wooden ships. Nicely illustrated 'shares.' High quality dices in 4 different colors! From one component to another, the game is a visual delight that's sure to attract your non gaming friends.
2. Simple Rules, delightful mechanic
People often talks about Settlers, Carcassonne, and Ticket to Ride as the ultimate gateway game, but I rarely heard people mention Manila, and I wonder why. Afterall, it's got all the staples of a gateway game - from the simple rules, a healthy blend of luck and tactics, and a huge fun factor.
The rules are simple and have been explained in great detail in other reviews, so I'm just going to give the jest of it. The game revolves around placing your 'accomplices' on different spots on the board where you think the ship is going to land at. Then, the dices are rolled and the ships move according to the dice value. After three rounds, the ship that went past spot 13 arrived in Manila. Otherwise the ship went to the wharf. If it lands on spot 13 it is attacked by the pirates.
Feels like 'that's it??' Well not quite. There are a couple of other things - namely the pilots and the insurance agent where you may place your accomplices at to help hedge your bets. The office of the Harbormaster is auctioned in the beginning of every voyage, and it is very important because the Harbormaster determines which commodities are being loaded unto the ships. The harbormaster is also the only one who can purchase additional investments.
It's clear that at its heart Manila is a betting game wonderfully disguised in a delightful package. As a result, you dont feel like you're looking at numbers, instead you really feel that your ships are competing to sneak these valuable commodities to Manila, and that is the sight of a fun theme beautifully wrapped around simple mechanics.
The game is short and can be finished in 1 hour or less, which is perfect for this level of game.
3. Loads and loads of FUN
The last reason you should own Manila is because the game is F-U-N. Everytime. I think having the right group is key. In all of our games we have people standing up, cheering for their boats. We have people pumping their fists when the oh-so-lucky rolls lands MULTIPLE ships on the pirate spot. Everyone I introduced it to immediately wanted to play again, and as a Meh-Gamer with non-gamer friends that's really all I could ask for from a game.
I personally believe the biggest key in enjoying Manila is to take it for what its worth. 629