I finally got to play Goa yesterday with the full complement of four. It was about time since this is one of those reference games so many others get compared to. It took us about 2 1/4 hours, which was not too long. I think we’ll be able to bring that down, but the 90-minute estimate on the box looks optimistic.

The mechanics are abstract, but complex and tightly interwoven. While researching this post, I thought of a term I heard a while ago called “system games”. I searched Google high and low, as it’s not the most search-engine-friendly term. In the end I was referred back to this blog and a post I made in 2004 that I had completely forgotten about. As a matter of fact Matt Horn coined this phrase specifically about Goa. Isn’t it strange the way the mind works?

This article stuck in my head all this time because it is the most important aspect of heavyweight €urogames and it had never occurred to me before Matt Horn mentioned it. It is a shame Matt Horn stopped doing Spielboy – or at least the commentary. I never saw the point in draping average looking semi-naked girls around boardgames.

Goa reminded me a lot of Traders of Genoa and Louis XIV (I have only read the rules for Louis XIV), both by Rüdiger Dorn and also System Games. The disk tower in Traders of Genoa especially resembles the tile selection in Goa. Apparently Rüdiger Dorn uses this again in Raub Ritter, so it must be a kind of signature.

Bruno Faidutti, in his Caylus review says:

Caylus is a heavy management and development game, akin with Goa, Keythedral or Puerto-Rico

I totally agree, Goa pushes the same buttons as Caylus, although less interactively, but at least it is shorter. After one playing of both, I prefer Goa.

The complexity of both games is a problem for us, especially if we do not play regularly, but I will try to play this a few times over the next month or two to reduce that problem.

Now that I know Jambo was designed by Rüdiger Dorn, I am much more keen on trying it. I am convinced a System Game like Goa would work excellently two-player with my wife. Lost Cities is too light for me, most other games I like are too confrontational. Something like this would appeal to us both. I have strongly considered the Settler’s Card Game, but two-player Goa looks more interesting. I will have to run it by her.

One problem with Goa is the lack of player aids, but there are some excellent ones at the BoardGameGeek, particularly a scoring sheet and turn tracks. A simple scoring summary and rules quick reference is also essential.

Rio Grande got the Expedition card hand limit rule slightly wrong. This came up in our game, so I will have to try it the other way next time.

I am definitely going to buy this. 7/10 after a confusing first game, but it will almost certainly climb.