Mombasa Final Thoughts

[@marklitman8069]

I have consistently found rahdo to be the most informative instructor in every game I have viewed. Irelate to his style of emphasizing mechanics and providing strategy.

[@greytoeimp]

I really enjoyed this video, Richard. The combination of your insights about the game, combined with the other player's, but also your guided questions to him really gave me a good sense of the game at all player counts and even experience levels. Adds a whole other dimension to the final thoughts for me. Suffice to say I am interested in this game, and Pfister too. Keep up the good work.

[@atonaltensor]

I also have to add that the art on this game is from Klemens Franz. It seems to be the most serious/muted offering from him to date. I really like it!

[@rahdo]

+atonaltensor good point!

[@petec3250]

In our last game, I diversified with 3 companies on the tracks, and bought share cards for the company my wife was strongest in. My wife completely dominated one company and dabbled in the company I was strongest in. she also focused more on diamonds. We both went about 2/3 up the book keeping track. She got 10 more points than me on that track. The map was tight. We were fighting to remove trade posts. In the end, she won by 4 points. Looking back, I know I could have done some other things to improve my score. What I like is that there is no dominant strategy. There are different combinations of things you can do. You just have to think about how to balance everything and it will be different every time. Setting yourself up for future turns with your cards reminds me of the mancala from Trajan.

[@mrmzchf1776]

Must stop Rahdo! He keeps draining my bank account. Another great play through and review by the Master of board game tutorials. Thanks Richard, Now I'm going to have to find a second job😄

[@patcraig1637]

Thanks for doing these videos rahdo you're one of my favourite review channels

[@JackBaur85]

Cant wait to play it tonight. Thx for that great runthrough :)

[@bijanajamlou5152]

mombasa is the game of the year for me. its awsome. but i would not want to play it with less than 3. the sandboxfeel increase on 2 player and the stockmarket becomes flawed. its littlebit like playing purto rico on 2. But on 4 player this game shines!

[@ToadInTheWoods]

Not to dispute with someone two years later, just to throw in a contrasting view for people browsing reviews of this game. Haven't played it with more, but my wife and I love Mombassa with two. The last game we played ended up in an exact tie; it was a very tense, fun battle. Mina of (now dormant) Mina's Fresh Cardboard (she joined Rahdo for his Terraforming Mars review) raved about this game, absolutely loved it, also playing exclusively with two. It's sandboxey, but you can't just dominate one thing and win--it's really a balancing act between stock market, diamond track, and book track, with a nice pace, length and arc. It's heavy and fun, even with two.

[@the_luggage]

What do you two mean by "sandbox", limited/obvious options? Thanks!

[@ernanilucenaneto6776]

For Boardgames, "sandbox" usually refers to a game that does not provide you with a clear objective and you are kinda free to do whatever you like. Some people find it annoying, I like it :)

[@freejunk2]

i'm sorry but it was horrible watching Nicholas, why is he even doing this? he totally doesn't look comfortable

[@rahdo]

+freejunk2 i believe he enjoyed it... he asked to do it :)

[@deanlowdon8381]

rahdo I thought it was good to hear another opinion from someone that had played it more and at different player counts. Would like to see this sort of thing more often.

[@roadytn]

Its far too long for a "final thoughts" video.

[@rahdo]

+roadytn you can watch it 2x speed, then it's only 15 minutes :)

[@richardmbakeretc]

+roadytn I agree It would be nice to have a quick summary of the thoughts in the first 5-10 minutes then the details after.

[@DimitriosAlexis]

I think after playing the game, this is the perfect length for a final thought. Especially from two people. Thanks, +Rahdo. Keep 'em coming.

[@A.L.E.X.42]

I appreciate your views at the end of this video re the heavy subject matter in this game, and making a point to address it as part of your final thoughts. It's odd - in games like Five Tribes the slaves never bothered me at all because the whole game was so whimsical which evil genies and abstract in nature but I simply can't get past it in Mombasa. A blurb and book recommendation doesn't quite cut it for me which is sad because the game looks like a brilliant design and I really wish it WAS set on Mars lol. Personally so much of gaming is getting in to character, and feeling the theme flow through every machination but when every move is pure exploitative evil ... well, it just tanks the whole experience for me and I can't separate myself from it. :(

[@clumsydad7158]

Excellent comments, I feel the same way and had the five tribes controversy in mind too. Although many games can be considered part of a 'age of exploitation' grouping, unfortunately this game where you are directly colonizing Africa takes it too far (and the diamond harvesting is especially cringe worthy). Suggesting reading materials is fine, but that doesn't change the game. As interesting as the game seems, I wouldn't purchase or recommend to play with friends/family.