For Serge Pierro of Shelter Island, a teacher of guitar lessons and designer of original tabletop games, his latest project speaks to his appreciation for his home of 19 years and counting.
Called Shelter Island Experience, it’s a card game that showcases the “nuances of what makes life on Shelter Island so special and unique,” he said.
Paying homage to the natural landscape and historical places, Mr. Pierro designed every aspect himself, right down to the painstakingly detailed artwork on the cards.
“It took several days to draw each card, as I am not a fast artist, and I was relieved each time a card was finished — only to move on to the next one,” he said. “It was a bit ambitious, but I have been always fascinated by the concept of a game being done by just one person. But next time, I’ll probably be a little less ambitious.”
The concept is that players “visit” various locations of interest to gain “experience” points. Players are dealt a random hand that consists of two types of cards — “site” cards to visit and “local” cards that allow the player to gain control of those places. After four rounds, which collectively take about 30 minutes to complete, the player with the most experience points is declared the winner. A more advanced version of the game can be played using the same two decks of cards.
Mr. Pierro is a gaming enthusiast who published a magazine devoted to the hobby, called Game Nite, from 2015 to 2020. It’s on hiatus, he said, but added that he is “thinking about reviving it again. People are still interested in reading the back issues and I’m thrilled to see that so many people are enjoying it.”
Friends helped out by “play testing” the game so Mr. Pierro could fine-tune its mechanics. He officially released it a few weeks ago, just in time for holiday gifting, and has been getting orders from enthusiastic Shelter Islanders, both current and former.
“I have received many compliments about the game and its theme,” he said. “However, my favorite comment is: ‘This will make them feel like they’re back home again. There’s something very special and different about it that calls to you.’ Others have mentioned that they enjoyed having a collection of cards that represent the uniqueness of the island and its lifestyle.”
The game costs $20 (shipping is an extra $6) at sergepierro.com/shop.
