Mainports, by publisher The Game Master, is a game in which resources must be loaded and unloaded on ships sailing between European cities. The game is thematically well put together and somewhat akin to a mix of the board game Ticket to Ride and Tycoon games for the computer. Container Tycoon?
The game is the third in a series called Ports of Europe. While the first two volumes were grafted onto the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp; Europe is the scene of the third in the series. Being part of a series does not mean that the first two parts are necessary to play: the game is self-contained. Containered?
Depending on how much time you want to spend, you can choose two end goals: either the game stops after 20 executed cargo contracts or the game stops after a player has one million euros in cash. Both goals are achieved by concluding a contract for a certain type of commodity to be loaded at one port and then unloaded at another port. To get from one port to another, players have to buy fuel and deploy it in a subsequent turn and move the ship. Money is earned by executing contracts or having dividends paid out. Finally, there are technology cards that make life a bit easier in game: think extra bonuses on obtaining contracts or a higher dividend.
Carrying out any of the actions (conclude contracts, buy fuel, navigate/load and unload, pay dividends and buy a technology card) is determined each turn by a rondel: the actions within one, two or three moves can be chosen. The use of the rondel sometimes prevents the player from performing the desired action; so some understanding of how to deal with this is required.
While playing Mainports, you can really immerse yourself in the world of cargo ships. Buying fuel by choosing from five cards for different distances and with different prices (even for the same distance) makes it very dynamic. The gameplay element of loading and unloading resources matches the theme of the game very well.
For the casual player, Mainports guarantees an enjoyable afternoon of gaming fun. For the advanced board game player, a bit of a feeling remains that the game engine is a bit late in getting started because navigating takes a lot of time. From the other side, the cost of the technology cards at the end of the game no longer outweighs the benefits. The engine has a sweetspot somewhere in between. The rulebook could be written down more clearly; rules seem needlessly complicated written down, while once up and running it is not at all that complicated and actually accessible.
In conclusion, Mainports is a dynamic game set in the shipping industry, sailing between the ports of European cities, where it is crucial to negotiate the right contracts, buy smart fuel and sail the best route. A good game for the casual board game player.
