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Ballast (1998) Board Game

ByMichail

Ballast is a classic dexterity game released in 1998 by Gigamic. It is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 6 and up. The game involves balancing different pieces on a wobbly board, testing players’ fine motor skills and patience.

Game Components of Ballast

  • Circular Plexiglas frame
  • Wooden cylinders

    How To Setup Ballast

    To set up the game, players load the wooden cylinders into the circular Plexiglas frame. This simple setup prepares the game for play, mimicking the classic “Pick Up Sticks” mechanic.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Category: Dexterity game, similar to “Pick Up Sticks”
  • Objective: Players take turns removing one wooden cylinder at a time from the Plexiglas frame without disturbing the remaining cylinders.
  • Gameplay Mechanics: Hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and strategy in planning which cylinder to remove next.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Ballast** is a fun and challenging experience that tests players’ dexterity and patience. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master, making it engaging for a wide range of players. The tension builds as each player carefully removes a cylinder, hoping not to be the one who makes the entire structure collapse.

    Pros

  • Simple yet challenging gameplay**
  • Develops hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills**
  • Quick setup and playtime**
  • Suitable for families and casual game nights**

    Cons

  • Limited replayability due to simple mechanics**
  • Can be frustrating for younger players if they struggle with the dexterity aspect**

    Personal Thoughts on Ballast

    **Ballast** is ideal for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a light, entertaining game that doesn’t require complex rules or strategies. It’s a great option for those who enjoy dexterity games and are looking for something similar to “Pick Up Sticks” but with a unique twist. However, players seeking more complex gameplay or high replayability might find **Ballast** a bit too straightforward.

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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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