As the name implies, Amazonas is set in the Amazon Jungle where the players must race to establish research huts to study the many species that the rainforest has to offer. The board is simply stunning to look at as it incorporates the vibrant colour of the Amazon's many species. The board itself depicts 30 research sites and these are connected by a series of jungle paths and river crossings. Each site is also home to one of 5 specimens (lizard, butterfly, flower, fish and parrot) and it is these specimens that the players must collect to earn victory points.
Play begins with each player receiving a secret mission card that depicts 4 of the 30 research sites. The game lasts for a total of 18 rounds (most of which are quick to complete) and if a player has managed to establish a base at all of these destinations then all is well. However for each site that is not reached by games end, 4 points are deducted. Silver and gold coins are used to pay for the cost of building research huts (3 silver equals 1 gold). Each turn involves the players choosing 1 card from their own deck and revealing it simultaneously. Each card serves to earn the players extra income and determine the turn order for the round, so they are numbered. An event card is then drawn and these can be beneficial (eg help from natives) or problems such as jaguars, crocodiles or forest fires to name a few. Once the event is resolved the players are free to collect their income and purchase new huts.
Players can only build at adjacent sites to their starting position and travel is possible via the jungle paths and river crossings. This means that advanced planning is essential to success. It is possible for multiple players to build at the same site but the cost will be more expensive for those that arrive later. This lends the game much of its strategy as players must decide on the most efficient path (to maximise their limited resources) and ensure that they beat the competition to cheap sites.
The winner is the person to acquire the most victory points and these are awarded for collecting 3 or more of a particular specimen (awarded when a new hut is built), being the first to collect 1 of each specimen and avoiding penalties for not completing the mission card.

The Final Word

Amazonas is another excellent game that will appeal to novice players and the more experienced. Each game turn is quick once the players are familiar with the game. In fact time will only drain away as each player tries to second guess the cards that their opponents will play. Once the cards are revealed, the effects are managed very quickly (within 30 seconds) and the next round can begin. Each game ensures a close finish and it is one of the most visually stunning games to look at on the market, incorporating vibrant colour and quality artwork.