by Bendalf
Quickly to give some background, I'm a relative newcomer to the BGG community, but a long time lover of boardgames. This is my first attempt at a "real" review. The purpose of this review is to prevent any recent players or purchasers of Le Havre to give up on the game too soon. I made this mistake, traded the game away (albeit for TI3, which I love), but dearly regret not having it in my collection at the current moment. Thankfully Sage Games released in ios format.The following are my own comments and thoughts on the game as over the past 8 months. These comments make up the body and content of the review. Upon its conclusion I have deferred all other writings/musings about the game JohnRayJr.'s "Landmark Game" post.
12.2011 - The test of time will tell if this game is upgraded to a 10 ranking. I have only played the game twice, but I love the simple game mechanics and the deep and nuanced strategy.
1.3.2012 - Now, in light of playing Puerto Rico (another resource, economics type of game) Le Havre is no longer my favorite in this type of eurogame, thus the reason the decrease in ranking from 9.5 to 7.
2.2012 - Game traded for Power Grid. Le Havre 6th spot on the BGG confuses me a bit. I can see the appeal of wide open choices, but the game mechanics seem so loose that they didn't provide an satisfying game experience after a few plays. I wanted more from the game. Then after playing Puerto Rico, I knew that it was not going to get to the table ever again. Both games are resource efficiency/production games (like any good Euro) but PR does it better. Therefore it truly is a game I could take or leave (Rating Edit: 2.8.12 - 7 to a 5)
8.2012 - I have seen the light. After giving Le Havre another try via ios/iPad, I have discovered the depth and richness of Le Havre. Since trading the game back in February, I acquired Caylus and have played it a handful of times (about equal to the number of Le Havre plays). The reasons I originally liked the game, as described in my 1st post regarding this game, still stand. The simple mechanics of the game make it very easy to understand what you can do on your turn. Figuring out what is the "best" choice with the simple things you can do on this turn is what makes this game shine. I'm addicted to the game and cannot stop thinking about the different strategies (coke/steel vs. grain and cattle vs. shipping line, etc.) I defer to JohnRayJr "Landmark Game" for a superior description and review of Le Havre.
http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/503185/a-landmark-game
Happy Gaming everyone.
