Bedpans & Broomsticks (2014) Board Game

Bedpans & Broomsticks is a board game that was released in 2014, designed by Jared Blando and Jacob Chabot. The game is set in a magical hospital where players take on the roles of nurses, wizards, and other fantastical characters. The game combines elements of tile placement, variable player powers, and roll/spin and move mechanics to create a unique and engaging gaming experience.

Game Components of Bedpans & Broomsticks

Player tokens: Representing the Elders and the staff.

Game board: Depicting the Shady Pines Village retirement home.

Item cards: Such as bedpans and broomsticks, which players can use to aid in their escape or prevent it.

Escape routes: Multiple paths for the Elders to escape.

How To Setup Bedpans & Broomsticks

Setup involves placing the game board in the middle of the playing area, distributing player tokens, and shuffling the item cards. Each player chooses their token and places it at the starting location on the board. The staff player receives a set of item cards to use for preventing escapes, while the Elder players get their own set of cards to facilitate their escape.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Adversarial gameplay: One player (the staff) against multiple players (the Elders).

Item card usage: Players use cards to move, distract, or hinder opponents.

Escape routes: Elders must navigate through the board to reach one of three escape points.

Objective: Elders aim to escape the retirement home, while the staff player strives to keep them from escaping.

Player Experience

Playing **Bedpans & Broomsticks** is a fun and engaging experience that combines strategy with a dash of humor. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it appealing to both new and experienced players. The adversarial nature creates a dynamic where players must think quickly and use their resources cleverly.

Pros

Easy to learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic depth: Advanced players will find plenty of strategies to explore.

Humorous theme: The setting and gameplay elements add a light-hearted, comedic touch.

Interactive gameplay: Players are constantly engaging with each other.

Cons

Limited player count flexibility: Optimized for a specific number of players, which might not be ideal for all groups.

Repetitive gameplay: Some players might find the game mechanics repetitive after multiple plays.

Personal Thoughts on Bedpans & Broomsticks

**Bedpans & Broomsticks** is ideal for groups looking for a fun, interactive game that doesn’t require a steep learning curve. It’s particularly suited for families or casual gaming groups who enjoy light-hearted themes and adversarial gameplay. While it may not be the best fit for very large or very small groups, it offers a unique blend of strategy and humor that makes it a worthwhile addition to any board game collection.

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