TIP to make it easier: The easiest/coziest mode to try from the updated co-op rules is that you need to achieve all 7 goals but there isno time limit. Keep playing 7, 8, 9 turns. However long it takes. The faster you achieve the goals the better your score, but you can keep playing until you get them. It takes the pressure off and allows you to the learn the game. Use 3 goals and all the setbacks. I would probably remove the goal that requires junior specialists as we changed that one to require seniors instead and make it more positive.
Puerto Rico was the #1 Game for SIX YEARS(according to BoardGameGeek)
I purchased BOTH the base/core standard game AND the all in Grande Pledge from Awaken Realms. Here are my thoughts on what I will actually use when playing the game:
I think my choice of what I will use when playing the game is: Acrylic building & role tiles, 3D plantation/estate tiles, 3D Trading House (and maybe the building where the workers are recruited), 3D crates of produce (ie, bananas, corn, etc), metal coins … I think I will try playing with the 3D miniatures for the workers (though the tan circular discs are just fine too – and both will fit in the indented circle in the 3D plantation/estate tiles … I like the neoprene mat but it doesn’t fit in the box… the 3D ships are nice but perhaps easier to play with the cardboard ships. First player marker is kind of irrelevant so I may use the 3D version or the cardbard (not sure). Wooden victory point tokens are the same. I packed everything that I am going to use into the Special Edition box and there is 2 inches lid lift.
Easy to learn, setup and play. One person rolls one die and flips one card that everyone uses (so no claiming that you got the bad cards:) Everyone draws the shape shown on the die in the row, column or grid area specified by the card.