Recess! (2006) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Recess! is a board game released in 2006, designed by Alexander Bradley and Michelle Nephew. The game is published by Atlas Games and is suitable for 3-5 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. It falls under the categories of Fighting, Humor, and Religious themes, making it a unique and interesting choice for game night.

Game Components of Recess!

Circular clock board with pointer

Sand timer

Four modular game boards (6” x 6” each)

Two L-shaped entrances (2” x 2” each)

Two safety squares (2” x 2” each)

72 game pieces: 20 boy and girl figures, 2 nun pawns, and 50 coin tokens

Multi-language rulebook (English, French, German, Spanish).

How To Setup Recess!

To set up Recess!, players first assemble the modular game boards to form the playground. Each player selects their boy and girl figures and places them on designated starting spaces. The nun figures are also placed on the board. The coin tokens are distributed evenly among the players. The sand timer is used to manage the timed rounds, and the circular clock board tracks the game’s progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Movement: Players can move three of their figures and one nun figure per turn.

Starting Fights: Players can land on spaces occupied by other players to start fights and win coins.

Time Outs: Nuns can send fighting children off the board for a time out.

Stealing Kisses: Players can end the game early by landing their boy and girl figures on the same space out of sight of the nuns.

Game Duration: The game is played over 31 one-minute rounds.

Objective: The goal is to extort the most money from other kids and become the undisputed ruler of the playground.

Player Experience

Recess offers a fast-paced and action-packed experience, mimicking the chaos and excitement of a real playground. Players must strategically manage their figures, avoid the nuns, and seize opportunities to start fights or steal kisses. The timed rounds add a sense of urgency, making each decision critical.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s playground setting is relatable and fun.

Fast-Paced Gameplay: Timed rounds keep the game moving quickly.

Strategic Depth: Balancing fights, avoiding time outs, and stealing kisses requires strategy.

Multi-Language Support: The rulebook is available in multiple languages.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is best with 3-5 players; it may not be as engaging with fewer players.

Complex Setup: Assembling the modular boards can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Recess!

Recess is perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a light-hearted, strategic game that captures the essence of childhood playground antics. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy games with a mix of strategy and luck, and who can appreciate the nostalgic and playful theme. However, it may not be the best fit for very young children due to the complexity of the setup and the competitive nature of the gameplay.

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