Detour! (1999) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Detour! is a children’s board game released in 1999 by the DaMert Company. The game is designed for 2-4 players aged 8 and up, with a runtime of approximately 30 minutes. It falls under the categories of Children’s Game and Racing, featuring mechanics such as Roll/Spin and Move and Set Collection.

Game Components of Detour!

Game board

Player tokens

Destination cards

Challenge cards

Dice or randomization mechanism (varies by version, but the 1999 version does not specifically mention dice)

Rulebook

How To Setup Detour!

To set up Detour!, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it at the starting point. Shuffle the destination and challenge cards, and deal them according to the rules outlined in the rulebook. Ensure all players understand the objectives and basic rules before starting the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Movement: Players move around the board based on randomness or specific game mechanics.

Destination Cards: Players aim to reach various vacation destinations.

Challenge Cards: Players encounter challenges that can either hinder or help their progress.

Game Objective: The first player to reach all their designated vacation destinations wins the game.

Player Experience

Detour offers a fun and interactive way for families and friends to enjoy a board game together. The game is designed to simulate a vacation journey, complete with the ups and downs that come with traveling. Players need to strategize and adapt to the challenges they face, making it an engaging experience.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 12 and above, making it a great option for family game nights.

Interactive: Incorporates challenge cards and destination goals that keep players engaged.

Simple to Understand: Easy to learn and set up, even for younger players.

Portable: Can be taken on trips or to gatherings due to its compact size.

Cons

Limited Players: Designed for only 2 players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

Randomness: The game’s reliance on randomness can lead to less strategy and more luck-based outcomes.

Outdated Mechanics: Some players might find the mechanics outdated compared to modern board games.

Personal Thoughts on Detour!

Detour is an excellent choice for families or couples looking for a light-hearted, straightforward board game. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy travel-themed games or are looking for something easy to learn and play. However, for gamers seeking more complex strategies or larger group interactions, Detour might not be the best fit.

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