3 Wishes (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

3 Wishes is a card game designed by Chris Castagnetto and published by Cranio Creations in in 2016. The game is set in a mystical world where players take on the roles of genies granting wishes to their masters.

Game Components of 3 Wishes

Wish Cards: 18 cards divided into three categories – superpowers, world harmony, and gifts. Each card has an icon and a number value.

Wooden Cubes: Used for scoring if playing multiple games.

Player Reference Cards: 5 player aids to help track the game.

Special Cards: Include two doubler cards and a Time Travel card, which significantly impact gameplay.

How To Setup 3 Wishes

To set up the game, each player is dealt three face-down cards. Two additional cards are placed face-down in the middle of the table. Each player can look at one of their cards to begin. The remaining cards are set aside.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Deduction, bluffing, and memory.

Objective: The first player to collect one wish card from each category (superpower, world harmony, and gift) wins the game.

Actions:
– Peek: Look at one of your face-down cards.
– Swap: Exchange one of your cards with a card from another player or the middle of the table.
– Shuffle: Mix up your three cards and place them back on the table.

Special Actions:
– Declare the end of the game after three turns if you believe you have one of each type of wish.
– Use special cards like doublers to double your winning total or the Time Travel card, which counts as a wish but disqualifies you from winning if held at the game’s end.

Player Experience

**3 Wishes** offers a dynamic and entertaining experience, appealing to players of all ages and experience levels. The game’s short duration and simple rules make it an excellent filler game. Players can approach the game analytically or choose to cause chaos by frequently swapping and shuffling cards, adding a layer of social interaction and unpredictability.

Pros

Highly portable and quick to play.

Engaging artwork and humorous style.

Simple rules but challenging and thoughtful gameplay.

Encourages deduction, bluffing, and social interaction.

Suitable for a wide range of players.

Cons

Early game can feel scripted as players often peek at their cards in the same sequence.

Limited components might make the game feel repetitive after multiple plays.

Personal Thoughts on 3 Wishes

**3 Wishes** is ideal for those looking for a light, fun, and quick game to fill gaps between larger game sessions or as a portable option for on-the-go play. It’s a great choice for families and casual gamers who enjoy deduction and bluffing mechanics. Despite its simplicity, the game offers a delightful mix of strategy and chaos, making it a standout in the micro game category.

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