HILO (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

HILO is a card game designed by Knut Strømfors and Eilif Svensson, and published by Gigamic in in 2019. It is a family-friendly game that can be enjoyed by 2 to 6 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. The game has a runtime of around 30 minutes, making it a quick and fun option for game nights or gatherings.

Game Components of HILO

104 playing cards with values -1 to 11 in eight different suits

Game instructions (available in German and other languages)

How To Setup HILO

To set up HILO, each player starts with a 3 x 3 grid of cards. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile. The objective is clear from the start: replace high-value cards with lower ones to minimize your total card value.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Replace High Cards: Players aim to exchange high-value cards in their grid with lower-value cards from the draw pile.

Colour Matching: If a player gets three cards of the same colour in a row, column, or diagonal, they can discard the entire row/column.

Points System: The game is played over several rounds until one player reaches at least 100 points. The player with the fewest points at the end wins.

Strategic Play: Players must decide whether to leave a card on top of the discard pile that could help or hinder the next player.

Player Experience

HILO is a game that quickly hooks you with its simple yet engaging mechanics. Players enjoy the rapid pace and the strategic depth of trying to minimize their card values while also considering the impact on other players. The game is ideal for family gatherings and casual game nights, offering a fun and interactive way to spend time together.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

High Replay Value: The game’s short playing time and variable outcomes ensure it remains enjoyable over multiple rounds.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children aged 8 and up, making it a great addition to family game collections.

Strategic Depth: Offers enough complexity to keep adult players engaged.

Cons

Language Barrier: Instructions are primarily in German, which might be a challenge for non-German speakers.

Choking Hazard: Not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts.

Personal Thoughts on HILO

HILO is perfect for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a quick, entertaining card game. Its addictive nature and easy-to-understand rules make it an excellent choice for game nights or Travel, given its compact size. While it may not be as complex as some other strategy games, its simplicity and replay value make it a solid addition to any game collection.

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