Game Overview

Basari is another great game from Out of the Box. Each player takes the role of a trader in an Arabian style marketplace. The game board depicts a square market made up of stalls and each of these stalls contains a victory point number and a certain number of coloured gems. Play begins with each player selecting a starting position and taking their 3 action cards (all players have the same action cards). Each turn requires all players to role their dice and move their trader that many squares forward. Once all players have stopped on a market stall they must secretly select 1 of the 3 action cards and this serves as the driving mechanic. Playing the gems card allows a player to collect the gems represented in the stall they currently occupy. Playing the value card earns a player the number of Victory Points (recorded on the outside track of the board) indicated by the number in the stall they currently occupy. Whilst playing the dice action card allows the player to move their trader on the board and score a number of victory points. The trick to Basari is that if any 2 players reveal the same card they must barter for the right to use that action. Bartering introduces player interaction to the game and the gems are used for this purpose. There are 4 gem colours and they also have differing values, they are from highest to lowest - red, orange, green and blue. In turn the players take turns to make an offer of one or more gems at a time. The highest number of gems offered will always win the auction but an equal number of gems means that gem value is used to break the deadlock. Bartering continues until one player concedes and that player takes all the gems offered during the auction, improving their gem stockpile for future bids and bonus point scoring (discussed later). The winning bidder loses their gems but gains the right to the action bestowed by the card. If 3 players reveal the same action card then those players simply cancel each other out and they get no action for the turn. Play continues in this way until one or more players complete a full lap of the market. When this occurs a special bonus scoring round occurs. The gems now play another important role as players can earn bonus points for holding a majority of gems in each of the colours. The player or players that complete the lap to end the round also earn a 10 point bonus. At the end of a round all trader markers are returned to their original starting positions and the game of Basari ends when 3 rounds have been completed. The player with the highest victory points at the end is declared the winner.

The Final Word

Basari really offers a lot of gaming depth in a short space of time. All of the action cards play a critical role which makes for a balanced game that keeps all of the players on the ball and offers them numerous strategic options. Each action has a place and the beauty of Basari is that the game is ever changing. Players are not locked into developing long term strategies as the game changes from turn to turn. This forces players to adapt to new developments but even more importantly they can enjoy themselves without developing a migraine. Basari is a worthwhile investment for this reason alone and offers fun for family and friends alike.