Ocasta

Day 2 started badly when all our initial plans fell apart. This Friday felt as busy as most Saturdays and the tables filled up fast. Wandering in the lower halls we were lucky enough to find a table at Splotter un-taken and sat down for an explanation of their new game Indonesia.

This is an economic game set in the Indonesian islands. There are companies producing rice, spices, ready meals and oil. Shipping lines carry these between the islands to cities to earn player's money. Cities grow and companies and shipping lines spread and merge. There's lots going on here delivered through an elegant and simple (for this type of game) system.

Splotter generally produce big games. However while they are involved I find them overly complex. Indonesia is an exception. The game maintains the depth and interest that is customary but without the clutter of fiddly rules. This is by far the most involved game of this years Essen and I heartily recommend it for those people looking for something less fluffy. Playing time is estimated at 3 to 4 hours. My only criticism would be the map colours and graphics could be clearer.