Welcome to Hokkaido!

If you’re eager to learn about the game rules, you’ve come to the right place!

Let’s dive in and discover the enchanting world of Hokkaido.

First, it’s important to note that Hokkaido is a strategy board game where you’ll embark on an exciting journey to build and develop the beautiful and picturesque island of Hokkaido.

In this game, we’ll explore the wonders of nature, create thriving towns, and even encounter adorable wildlife.

Now, let’s talk about the gameplay mechanics.

Each player will have a personal board where you’ll strategically place tiles to construct towns, lakes, and mountains. These tiles will gradually form a splendid landscape.

You’ll also have cards that represent various landscapes and buildings, which will help you in your quest to create a harmonious and prosperous island.

Planning your moves is essential in Hokkaido. You’ll need to carefully choose the best locations for your tiles and consider the resources needed to build the towns.

Keep in mind that every decision you make will have consequences, so choose wisely!

As you progress in the game, you’ll earn points for building towns, creating nature reserves, and satisfying the specific demands of the animals inhabiting Hokkaido.

Remember, the key to victory lies in finding the perfect balance between development and preserving the island’s natural beauty.

So, if you’re ready to embark on this intriguing journey, grab your friends or family, set up the board, and let the adventure begin!

Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Hokkaido, unleash your creativity, and become the master builder of this extraordinary island.

Enjoy your time in Hokkaido and may your quest be filled with joy and discovery!

• I want to tell you about a game called “Terraforming Mars” and how it can be a lot of fun for you and your friends to play.
• The game includes several different types of resources, such as 56 Resources (14 of each type).
• There are also 15 Terraforming Tiles that you can use to transform the planet.
• When starting the game, each player receives 6 Starting Province Cards, which are double-sided.
• In addition to that, you’ll find 60 Map Cards, numbered 1-60.
• To help you keep track of your points, there are 5 Scoring Summary Cards.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also 9 Goal Cards that you can use as an optional variant.
• And of course, you’ll need a Score Pad to jot down your scores and keep track of the game.
• Finally, the game comes with a set of detailed instructions to guide you through the gameplay.

Let’s Get Started

So, here’s what you need to do:

1. First, find a good spot to put the resources and Terraforming tiles in the middle of the game area. Make sure you have enough resources for everyone playing. Don’t worry about running out of Terraforming tiles. If you do, just find something else to use instead.

2. Now, it’s time to pick which side of the Starting Provinces you want to play with: A or B. Everyone playing needs to agree on this. Once you’ve decided, deal out one random Starting Province to each player. Make sure to put the chosen side face up. Then, place a matching resource on each of the production squares on the Starting Province cards. The Starting Province card is the first card on each player’s map. Don’t forget to give everyone a Scoring Summary card, too.

So you want to learn how to play the game? Great! Let me walk you through it.

First, shuffle the Map cards and deal 6 cards face down to each player. Keep these cards hidden from the other players. Place the remaining Map cards in the center to create a draw pile.

Now, it’s time to dive into the game!

Let’s talk about resources, production squares, and factories:

• Resources:
• Production symbols:
• Factory symbols:

Game Play

Hey there! Let’s dive into the exciting world of this game. Get ready for 12 action-packed rounds, each consisting of a Drafting Phase and a Map Phase.

Drafting Phase (3 to 5 Players)

During the Drafting Phase, things get really interesting! Everyone in the game secretly chooses 1 card from their hand and places it face down next to their map. Keep your cards hidden from prying eyes! Then, the remaining cards are passed to the next player in a clockwise direction for rounds 1-6, and counterclockwise for rounds 7-12.

Remember, you can’t peek at the cards just passed to you. Once all the cards have been passed, it’s time to move on to the thrilling Map Phase.

Drafting Phase for 2 players

If there are only two players, the Drafting Phase is slightly different but just as exciting! Each player secretly chooses 1 card from their hand and places it face down next to their map. But here’s the twist – after that, they draw 1 card from the draw pile into their hands.

Now, hold on tight! Both players discard 1 card from this newly drawn hand and pass the rest of the cards face down to the other player. It’s like a game of secrets and surprises! Once the cards have been passed, get ready to jump into the Map Phase.

If you’ve played Honshu before, you might want to switch things up in Hokkaido by replacing the Drafting Phase with the Card Selection Phase from Honshu. And if you’re playing Honshu, you could give Drafting a try for a change.

Now, let’s talk about the Map Phase.

In the Map Phase, I expand my map by placing the card I picked in the previous Drafting Phase. I have to add the Map card to my map in such a way that at least one square of the new card is either on top of or hidden under a previously-placed Map card, while still keeping one square of the new card visible. I can place the cards horizontally or vertically.

During the Map Phase, all players play at the same time. However, if I don’t want to place my card until someone else does, I have to let everyone know before anyone places their card.

Once that’s settled, the player who picked the card with the lowest value goes first and places their card. After that, all the other players take turns, playing their cards in order from lowest to highest value.

Now, let’s talk about Production Squares.

When you place a new Map card, any production squares on it will receive a resource from the common pool. This means that if there are any production squares on the card, you will place a resource on each of them. However, if you place a card on top of a production square that already has a resource, you will have to discard that resource back to the common pool.

Now, let’s talk about Mountains.

In the game, each of us needs to have a single Mountain Range on our map. It’s a rule that we must follow.

When we choose a new Map card with Mountain squares, we have to add it to our map in a way that continues the single Mountain Range. We have to think about how to place it correctly.

The Mountain square can be added to the Mountain Range either straight or diagonally, like shown on the right. But we can’t add it in a way that splits the Mountain Range into two separate parts.

It’s important to keep all the Mountain squares visible on our map. They can’t be covered by other cards.

By the way, during the final scoring, the Mountain Range divides the map into two sides. This is important for scoring the Towns.

Terraforming

Once in each Map Phase, we have the choice to terraform exactly 1 Desert square on our own map. We can do this before or after adding the drafted card to our map.

In order to achieve this, I have to get rid of 2 resources that have the same color from any of the squares where I produce resources. Once I do that, I can place a Terraforming tile on a Desert.

• If you have 2 blue resources, you can turn a Desert square into a Lake.
• If you have 2 brown resources, you can turn a Desert square into a Town.
• If you have 2 green resources, you can turn a Desert square into a Forest.
• If you have 2 grey resources, you can turn a Desert square into a Mountain.

From now on, the Terraforming tile acts as the corresponding square for all placement and scoring purposes.

If a Town or Forest Terraforming tile gets covered up during a future Map Phase, simply put the tile back in the common pool.

Consecutive Rounds

Once everyone has completed their Map Phase, it’s time to pick up the cards that were passed to me. Then, a new round begins.

After playing six rounds, each player receives 6 Map cards from the draw pile as their new hand. When we reach 12 rounds, the game ends and it’s time for final scoring.

A Brief Overview of Terrain Squares

Production Squares:

In the world of terrain squares, production squares hold a special place. These squares are known for their ability to generate valuable resources that can be used for various purposes. So, let’s dive into the significance and characteristics of production squares.

First and foremost, production squares are essential for gathering resources and building a thriving community. They provide us with essential materials for constructing buildings, farming, and manufacturing goods. Without these squares, it would be difficult to meet our basic needs and advance our civilization.

But production squares aren’t just confined to resource gathering. They can also be strategically utilized to enhance our overall progress. By carefully selecting which resources to focus on, we can specialize in certain industries and gain a competitive edge. This can lead to economic prosperity and growth.

Understanding the different types of production squares is vital. Some squares may be more fertile for agriculture, while others may be richer in minerals or energy sources. Each type of square offers unique advantages and possibilities, allowing us to tailor our approach and make the most of our surroundings.

Furthermore, production squares can be affected by external factors, such as weather conditions, proximity to water sources, or the presence of certain minerals. These variables add an element of unpredictability and challenge to our resource management. We must adapt and make informed decisions based on the circumstances to optimize our productivity.

In conclusion, production squares play a crucial role in the grand scheme of things. They are the backbone of our community, providing us with the resources we need for survival and progress. By understanding their significance and embracing their potential, we can pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.

So, the next time you set foot on a production square, remember to appreciate its value and make the most of its offerings. Happy resource gathering!

When I play the game, I notice something interesting happening during the Map Phase. You see, every time a new production square is created, it gets a resource that matches its color. It’s like the square is being given a little gift from the common pool.

These resources are pretty handy. You can use them during the Map Phases to help with Terraforming. Or, if you prefer, you can move them to the matching Factories during the final scoring. It’s like you have a choice of how to use them, sort of like having multiple options.

A Factory:

When it comes to the final scoring phase, I have an interesting tidbit for you. Did you know that any resources left on production squares can still be worth some points? It’s true! You have the opportunity to score those unused resources by moving them to a matching Factory. And guess what? Each resource you move this way is worth a pretty penny!

Exception: There’s one thing you need to keep in mind when it comes to the Starting Province cards, and that’s the Factories. Normally, all the Factories have the same value, except for one of them which might have a lower value. It’s a bit of a special case, but it’s important to remember. And each Factory can only receive one resource, so keep that in mind too.

Forest:

Forests are fascinating and mysterious places. When I step into a forest, I’m immediately captivated by the towering trees and the way the sunlight filters through the branches, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s like stepping into another world, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life fades away.

One of the things that makes forests so special is the incredible diversity of life that they support. As I wander through the undergrowth, I can’t help but marvel at the myriad of plants and animals that call this place home. From the delicate ferns and wildflowers that carpet the forest floor to the mighty oak and maple trees that reach towards the sky, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

But it’s not just about the plants and animals. Forests also play a vital role in maintaining the health of our planet. They act as natural filters, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. This not only helps to combat climate change but also provides us with the clean air we need to breathe.

As I meander along the winding paths, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of peace and tranquility. The sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze create a symphony of nature that soothes my soul. It’s a place where I can escape from the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with the natural world.

But forests are not without their challenges. They are under constant threat from deforestation, urbanization, and climate change. If we’re not careful, we could lose these precious ecosystems forever. That’s why it’s so important that we take care of our forests and ensure their long-term survival.

So next time you find yourself in a forest, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and wonder. Listen to the sounds of nature and breathe in the fresh air. And remember, we all have a responsibility to protect these magical places for future generations to enjoy.

When I’m scoring at the end, I count up how many Forest squares we have left. Each one is worth

Desert:

I want to talk about deserts and how they can be changed in the game.

Usually, deserts don’t do anything special during the game, unless they are changed during the Map Phase.

But here’s something interesting: if there is a tie at the end of the game, the player with the most deserts that haven’t been changed wins.

Now let’s move on to lakes.

During the Map Phase, you can’t cover up Lake squares – they always have to be visible. When it’s time for final scoring, each group of Lake squares that are connected horizontally or vertically will be scored. The very first square in each group is worth zero points, and each square after that is worth a certain number of points.

In the Map Phase, I need to make sure that I place the Mountain squares in a way that they connect and form a continuous Mountain Range. It’s really important to keep the Mountain squares visible and not let them get covered by other Map cards.

When I’m scoring at the end of the game, I know that every Mountain square is valuable.

When I’m in the final stages of scoring, the Mountain Range splits the Map into two parts. I take a look at both sides and count the number of squares in the biggest orthogonally-connected Town area on each side. Now, here’s the interesting part: the smaller of these two Town areas is valuable. Every square in that area is actually worth something!

Note: When we talk about scoring in the game, it’s important to remember that both ends of the Mountain Range extend in a straight line indefinitely.

On this imaginary line, any Town squares are not included in the scoring. You can see this in the image on the right.

This rule about excluding Town squares only applies to the scoring.

Optional Rule: Goal Cards

When setting up the game, there is an additional step to follow:

4. Mix up the Goal cards and draw two more than the number of players. Place these cards face up on the table. The rest of the Goal cards are not used and should be returned to the box.

After each round, the available Goal cards are checked in order from lowest to highest number:

• In order to achieve a Goal, you need to have at least 3 different cards on your map that meet the requirements of the Goal. (Exception: Goal #9) You can count the Starting Province card as one of the 3 cards.
• If you’re the only player who has fulfilled the Goal, you get to claim it by placing it next to your map.
• If two or more players have fulfilled the same Goal, we need to break the tie. Look at the Goal card for instructions on how to break the tie. The tiebreaker is shown below the Goal card number. For Goal cards 1-4, the player who drafted the Map card with the lowest value wins the tie.

Remember!

Once you have received a Goal card, you can’t get any more Goal cards or Terraforming tiles in this round.

If all the Goal cards have already been completed in previous rounds, we don’t need to do this step. When it’s time to do the final scoring, each completed Goal card will be worth .

Guess what? I’m here to tell you about the Amazing Game. Are you ready for it? Let’s dive in!

So, this game is all about being the first to achieve a bunch of really cool things. Seriously, you won’t believe how awesome it is.

• You get to be the first to have 5 separate Forest areas. Talk about nature lovers!
• And how about being the first to have a size difference of 5 Town squares between your largest Town areas on each side of the Mountain Range? You’ve got to be a pro at city planning for that one!
• Oh, and don’t forget that you can also be the first to have 3 separate Lake areas. I’m already imagining epic boat rides!
• But wait, there’s more! You could be the first to have 5 orthogonally-adjacent Mountain squares. That’s like reaching new heights!
• And let’s not leave out the fact that you can be the first to have 6 resource cubes present on your map. Resource management at its finest!
• But hold on tight, because there’s still more to achieve. How about being the first to have all 4 types of production squares? You’ll be a master of efficiency!
• Ready for even more? You can be the first to have all 4 types of Factory squares. You’ll be the ultimate industrialist!
• And if you really want to impress, be the first to have 3 orthogonally and/or diagonally-adjacent production and/or Factory squares. Talk about taking things to the next level!
• But wait, there’s one more thing. You can also be the first to have terraformed twice. You’ll be reshaping the world like a pro!

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start conquering the Amazing Game. You’ve got this!

The End of the Game

So, here’s how we determine the final scores in the game. It’s pretty straightforward, really. We just need to take a look at the visible features on our maps, like Mountains, Forests, Factories, Lakes, and Towns.

Let me break it down for you:

• I found a Mountain square? Great! Each Mountain square you have will add to your total score.
• I came across a Forest square? Awesome! Each Forest square you have will contribute to your final score.
• Oh, we have a Factory square that can receive a resource from a matching production square? Fantastic! Each Factory square like this will give you to add to your total score.

I bet you’re curious about something that has intrigued me lately: the mystical world of Lake Squares. What’s a Lake Square, you ask? Well, let’s dive right in and find out!

Each Lake Square has a numerical value. The very first one, lovingly called the “Lake square,” is worth zero. It’s like the calm before the storm, a tranquil oasis that holds the potential for greatness. But here’s where things get interesting: each subsequent Lake Square has an incremental value that adds to the previous one. It’s like a puzzle where each piece fits perfectly, creating a bigger picture with every addition.

So, you might be thinking, how much is each Lake Square worth? Well, I’m glad you asked! Each square following the Lake square is worth “Lake square value + 1“. It’s like climbing a ladder, step by step, getting closer to a dazzling summit.

Let’s break it down with an example. Say we have 5 consecutive Lake Squares. We start with the Lake square worth 0, and then each subsequent square gains 1 value. So, the second Lake Square would be worth 1, the third would be worth 2, the fourth would be worth 3, and the fifth and final square would be worth 4. It’s as simple as that!

Now, here’s the really exciting part. If we want to find out the value of a particular Lake Square, we can use a formula to calculate it. The formula is:

“Value = N x (N-1) / 2“.

Here’s how it works. Let’s say we want to find out the value of the 6th Lake Square. We substitute N with 6 in the formula: “Value = 6 x (6-1) / 2“. Simplifying it further, we get “Value = 6 x 5 / 2“, which equals 15. So, the 6th Lake Square would be worth 15. It’s like a magical equation that reveals hidden treasures.

Isn’t it fascinating how something as simple as a Lake Square can hide such wonder? It’s like a game, a challenge that beckons you to decipher its mysteries. I hope this peek into the enchanting world of Lake Squares has ignited your curiosity. Remember, there’s always more to explore in the realms of numbers and patterns!

When you’re looking at the Mountain Range, take a moment to count the size of the largest town area on each side. The number of town squares in the smaller area is what we’re interested in here. Remember, this is for town scoring purposes.

Note: In town scoring, the Mountain Range is seen as extending endlessly in a straight line from both ends. Any town squares on this imaginary line don’t count towards scoring.

So here’s the deal: the player who comes out on top is the one with the most wins.

But what if there’s a tie? Well, in that case, it’s all about the Deserts. See, the player with the most Deserts visible is the winner of the game. Simple as that!