404: Law Not Found (2013) Board Game

404: Law Not Found is a print-and-play board game released in 2013, designed by Ludwin Schouten and published by 3DTotal Games. It falls under the science fiction and space exploration category, where players take on the roles of space lawyers navigating the complexities of intergalactic law.

Game Components of 404: Law Not Found

Player boards and character cards: Each player has a secret set of three directives.

Robot figures: Representing the players’ robots.

Ship board: The main game board depicting the spaceship.

Crew and monkey tokens: Representing the human crew and a mischievous monkey.

Flow chart: For controlling the crew’s and monkey’s behavior.

Various item and object tokens: To be moved around the ship to fulfill directives.

How To Setup 404: Law Not Found

Setup involves placing the ship board in the middle of the playing area, distributing the player boards and character cards, and placing the crew and monkey tokens according to the initial setup rules. Players receive their secret directives, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Directive fulfillment: Players aim to complete their secret directives, such as Improvise Science, Destroy War, or Hide Breathing.

Robot movement and item manipulation: Players move their robots and various items around the ship to achieve their objectives.

Crew and monkey behavior: Controlled by a simple flow chart, adding unpredictability to the game.

Planning and strategy: Players must plan ahead to outmaneuver other players and the chaotic crew and monkey.

Player Experience

Playing **404: Law Not Found** is a chaotic and humorous experience. The game quickly escalates into a series of comedic mishaps as players try to fulfill their directives while the crew and monkey cause chaos. The learning curve is moderate, with multiple mechanics from other games, but these are not overly complex. After a few turns, most players will grasp the game, and deeper strategies will emerge with further plays.

Pros

Humorous gameplay: The game’s setting and directives create a comical atmosphere.

Interactive and chaotic: The dynamic between players, crew, and monkey adds a high level of unpredictability.

Strategic depth: As players become more familiar, the game reveals deeper strategic layers.

Cons

Learning curve: New players might find it slightly challenging to understand all the mechanics initially.

Flow chart dependency: Early stages can be slow due to frequent reference to the flow chart.

Personal Thoughts on 404: Law Not Found

**404: Law Not Found** is ideal for those who enjoy chaotic, humorous board games with a mix of strategy and unpredictability. It is particularly suitable for players familiar with multiple game mechanics and those who appreciate a good laugh while playing. However, it may not be the best fit for beginners looking for a simple, straightforward game. The game’s unique blend of robot directives, hapless crew, and a mischievous monkey makes it a standout in the board game community, reminiscent of comedy classics like John Carpenter’s “Dark Star.”

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