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Dumb Ways to Die (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

The Dumb Ways to Die board game is based on the popular mobile game of the same name, which was created as a public service announcement by Metro Trains in Melbourne, Australia, to promote railway safety. The game features a cast of quirky characters who meet unfortunate and humorous ends in a variety of ways.

Game Components of Dumb Ways to Die

  • 54 Playing Cards: Featuring various ridiculous ways for the game’s characters, called “Beans,” to die.
  • 15 Animated Bean Death Cards: Lenticular animations of the Beans’ deaths.
  • 1 Extra Large Molded Danger Die: Used to determine the number of actions a player can take per turn.
  • Rules Booklet: Explaining the setup and gameplay mechanics.

    How To Setup Dumb Ways to Die

    To set up the game, each player receives a hand of cards and removes any “bloody bordered” cards (such as “You Died” or “Psycho Attack”) from their hand, reshuffling them back into the deck. The deck is placed within reach of all players, along with the action die. Players then prepare for their turns by rolling the die to determine how many actions they can take.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    **Game Objective:**

  • Keep your Beans alive as long as possible.
    **Gameplay Mechanics:**

  • Rolling the Die:** Determines the number of actions (drawing or playing cards) a player can take per turn.
  • Playing Cards:** Players can play “ACCIDENT Cards” to put other players’ Beans in danger, or use other cards to save their Beans.
  • Psycho Attack:** When a Psycho Attack card is drawn, all players must roll the die; those who do not roll a 1 must kill one of their Beans.
  • You Died Cards:** Instantly kill a player’s Bean if drawn and not countered.
  • Counter Cards:** Players can use specific cards to counter ACCIDENT Cards and save their Beans.

    Player Experience

    **Dumb Ways to Die** is a light-hearted, quick, and silly take-that card game designed to bring laughter and entertainment to game nights. Players engage in a series of absurd and humorous scenarios as they try to keep their Beans alive. The game’s colorful and animated card designs add to its playful vibe, making it suitable for family gatherings, friend parties, or even couples’ game nights.

    Pros

  • Humorous and Engaging:** The game’s ridiculous death scenarios and animations ensure a fun and entertaining experience.
  • Easy to Learn:** Simple setup and gameplay mechanics make it accessible to a wide range of players.
  • Social Interaction:** Encourages player interaction through competitive and cooperative elements.
  • Reusable:** Beans can be brought back to life by flipping them over, allowing for multiple plays.

    Cons

  • Luck-Dependent:** The game relies heavily on the roll of the die and the draw of cards, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes.
  • Limited Strategy:** The simplicity of the game means there is not much room for complex strategies.
  • Short Gameplay:** Games can be relatively short, depending on the luck of the draw and rolls.

    Personal Thoughts on Dumb Ways to Die

    **Dumb Ways to Die** is perfect for those looking for a light-hearted, fun, and quick game to add to their collection. It is ideal for family game nights, casual gatherings with friends, or even as a fun activity for couples. The game’s theme, while absurd and humorous, also subtly promotes safety awareness in a non-intrusive way. However, it may not appeal to players seeking more complex or strategic gameplay experiences.

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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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