Clustered (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Clustered is a strategic card game designed by Kitt Byrne and released in in 2017. The game is known for its unique mechanics and colorful artwork by Sculpin Games. It falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Card Game, Children’s Game, Educational, and Puzzle, making it suitable for a wide range of players.

Game Components of Clustered

Tiles: The game includes a set of tiles that players match to create clusters.

Colors: The second edition introduces 4 new colors, allowing for up to 8 players when combined with the first edition.

Box and Rulebook: Standard packaging including the game rules.

How To Setup Clustered

To set up Clustered, each player receives a set of tiles. The tiles are shuffled and placed face down within reach of all players. The objective is to create clusters, so the starting layout is typically a random arrangement of tiles. Players then take turns placing tiles to expand and connect clusters according to the game’s rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players take turns placing tiles to create or expand clusters.

Matching Colors: Tiles must be placed adjacent to other tiles of the same color.

Cluster Formation: The goal is to create large, connected clusters of the same color.

Strategic Planning: Players need to think ahead to block opponents and maximize their own cluster sizes.

Player Experience

Clustered offers a engaging and visually appealing experience, especially for fans of tile-matching games. The addition of new colors in the second edition enhances the gameplay by allowing more players to participate and increasing the complexity of the matches.

Pros

Colorful and Visually Appealing: The game features vibrant tiles that make it enjoyable to look at and play.

Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

High Replayability: With the random tile placement and strategic depth, each game is unique.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages and skill levels.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: The random tile distribution can sometimes hinder strategic planning.

Limited Complexity: Some players may find the game too simple compared to other strategy games.

Personal Thoughts on Clustered

Clustered is an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a lightweight yet engaging strategy game. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy tile-matching games and are looking for a game that can be enjoyed in a relatively short amount of time. The ability to combine the first and second editions to accommodate up to 8 players makes it a great option for larger groups or social gatherings. However, serious strategy enthusiasts might find it lacks the depth they are looking for.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.