An image of a slightly worn-out paper featuring a game titled "Bitin' Off Hedz," described as a Cheapass Game for 2-8 players. The top of the page shows a cartoonish T-Rex's head, and below it is a larger sketch of two T-Rexes standing. There is descriptive text about the game's prehistoric theme and requirements, like "pawns for every player," "counters," and an "8-sided dice." The bottom right corner includes contact information with an email address.
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Bitin’ Off Hedz (1996)

ByMichail

Bitin’ Off Hedz

Bitin’ Off Hedz is a board game about dinosaurs racing to go extinct. It was published by Cheapass Games in 1997, with a slightly updated second edition released in 2023. The game was designed by James Ernest, who is known for creating a number of other popular board games.

Why is Bitin’ Off Hedz Popular?

Bitin’ Off Hedz is known for its quick and silly Gameplay Mechanics of Bitin’ Off Hedz, as well as its theme of dinosaurs racing to go extinct. The game has gained a following among fans of Cheapass Games and James Ernest’s other creations.

Game Components of Bitin’ Off Hedz

  • Board: Available in two sizes – a small one-piece 12 x 18 poster and a large four-piece board assembling to 24 x 36.
  • Dice: Two 6-sided dice are required for gameplay.
  • Rocks: Players use rocks for various actions, such as re-rolling dice, throwing at other players, or gaining advantages.
  • Dinosaurs: Players need pawns, typically small plastic dinosaurs, to represent their characters on the board.

    How To Setup Bitin’ Off Hedz

    To set up the game, players need to unfold and place the board on a flat surface. Each player chooses a dinosaur pawn and places it at the starting point. The rocks are distributed around the playing area or held by players for later use. The dice are ready for rolling, and the game can begin once all players are set up.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Roll and Move: Players roll dice to determine how many spaces they can move their dinosaur.
  • Variable Player Powers: Some dinosaurs have special abilities that can be used during the game.
  • Rock Mechanics: Rocks can be used to re-roll dice, thrown at other players to disrupt their progress, or picked up from the board for later use.
  • Biting Off Heads: If a player lands on another player’s space, they can bite off that player’s head, taking all their rocks and sending the victim back to the start (or switching places in the 25th Anniversary edition).
  • Objective: The goal is to be the first player to reach the volcano at the center of the board and jump into it.

    Player Experience

    Bitin’ Off Hedz offers a fun and chaotic experience with a simple yet engaging mechanic. Players must balance moving forward with managing rocks and dealing with the disruptions caused by other players. The game is light-hearted and humorous, with a dash of strategy in using the rocks effectively.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: The game has straightforward rules, making it accessible to players of all ages.
  • Interactive: Players frequently interact with each other, adding a social and competitive element.
  • Customizable: The 25th Anniversary edition offers updated rules and optional advanced play with different dinosaur types.
  • Quick Games: Despite the potential for player interactions, games typically last around 60 minutes.

    Cons

  • Luck-Driven: The game heavily relies on dice rolls, which can lead to significant luck factors.
  • Reset Mechanic: The mechanic of sending players back to the start (or switching places) can be frustrating, especially if it happens repeatedly.

    Personal Thoughts on Bitin’ Off Hedz

    Bitin’ Off Hedz is ideal for those who enjoy light-hearted, family-friendly games with a touch of chaos and competition. It is perfect for casual gaming sessions and can be a great addition to any game collection for players aged 10 and up. While it may not appeal to those seeking deeply strategic games, it offers a fun and entertaining experience that is easy to pick up and play.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl