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Squid Inc. (2022) Board Game

ByMichail

Squid Inc. is a board game released in 2022 by designer Matijos Gebreselassie and published by WizKids. The game is set in an underwater world where players take on the role of competing squid tycoons vying for control of the ocean’s resources. With a mix of area majority, tile placement, and take that mechanics, Squid Inc. offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience for 2 to 4 players.

Game Components of Squid Inc.

  • 1 Rulebook
  • 80 Player Pieces in custom shapes
  • 70 Clout Tokens
  • 48 Employee Tiles
  • 42 Employee Cards
  • 4 Mailrooms
  • 1 Workplace Board[5.).

    How To Setup Squid Inc.

    To set up Squid Inc., each player starts with a mailroom where they can draft up to three employees from the unemployment line. The Workplace Board is divided into four tiers, each representing a different multiplier for scoring points. Players initially place their employees at the bottom tier and aim to move them up the corporate ladder. The game components, including clout tokens and employee tiles, are distributed accordingly to each player’s mailroom and the Workplace Board.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Engine Building:** Players build their network of employees to maximize points.
  • Area Majority/Influence:** Compete for influence by moving employees up the corporate ladder.
  • Take-That:** Use special abilities to disrupt opponents’ plans.
  • Resource Management:** Manage clout tokens to recruit and promote employees.

    Game Objective:

  • Recruit underwater creatures with unique abilities and influence values.
  • Move these creatures up the corporate ladder to earn higher multipliers (1x to 7x).
  • Outmaneuver opponents by using abilities to promote your employees or demote theirs.
  • Score points based on the tier and influence value of your employees at the end of the game.

    Player Experience

    In Squid Inc., players experience a dynamic and interactive game environment. The game is marked by high interactivity, with frequent use of “take-that” mechanics that can significantly impact other players’ strategies. The short playtime (60-90 minutes) and minimal investment in individual turns make the game accessible and engaging, even for those who are not fond of longer, more complex games. The game performs well across all player counts, including two players, maintaining a tight and engaging atmosphere.

    Pros

  • High Interactivity:** Frequent player interactions and “take-that” mechanics keep the game engaging.
  • Short Playtime:** Games last 60-90 minutes, making it a good fit for game nights.
  • Good for Various Player Counts:** The game scales well from 2 to 4 players.
  • Polished Mechanics:** The game balances power and fairness through its clout token system.
  • Unique Art and Theme:** The underwater corporate setting and “cute creepy” art add a unique twist to the game.

    Cons

  • Rulebook Issues:** The rulebook lacks clarity on certain aspects, such as handling ties.
  • Potential for Frustration:** Frequent demotions and disruptions can be frustrating for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Squid Inc.

    Squid Inc. is ideal for players who enjoy interactive and tactical games with a touch of strategy. It is particularly suited for groups that appreciate games with card drafting, engine building, and take-that mechanics. While it may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer longer, more strategic games, Squid Inc. is a great addition to any game collection for its unique blend of mechanics and its polished, engaging gameplay.

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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

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