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The Potion (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

The Potion is a party game designed by Kasper Lapp and published by FoxMind in in 2018. The game involves bluffing, prisoner’s dilemma, and push your luck mechanics, making it a fun and engaging experience for players aged 8 and up. The game has received positive reviews for its easy-to-learn rules and exciting gameplay.

Game Components of The Potion

  • 2-3 dice, depending on the player count
  • Ingredient tokens: mushrooms, beetles, and vials
  • Each player starts with 2 of each type of ingredient
  • The game comes in a pill bottle packaging with acrylic token pieces.

    How To Setup The Potion

    Setting up The Potion is straightforward. Give each player two of each ingredient (mushrooms, beetles, and vials). Set out the dice; for 3 players, use only the 1 and 2 dice, while for 4 or more players, use all three dice. This minimal setup makes the game ready to play quickly.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Mechanics:**
    – Bluffing
    – Deduction
    – Simultaneous Action Selection

  • Game Objective:**
    – Be the first player to have only one type of ingredient left.
    – Players roll the dice and secretly choose an ingredient to offer.
    – The total number of ingredients revealed by players is compared against the dice.
    – If the total matches a die, those players can discard that ingredient.
    – If none of the dice are fulfilled, players who revealed ingredients not on the dice can discard them.
    – If all players meet the conditions set by the dice, no one discards an ingredient.

    Player Experience

    The Potion is a light and quick game, lasting about 10 minutes. It is best enjoyed with 5-7 players, as higher player counts add more complexity and bluffing opportunities. The game requires players to read their opponents and make strategic guesses, making it a fun and engaging experience for those who enjoy bluffing and deduction. However, the gameplay can become repetitive if the dice do not roll favorably or if players consistently make the wrong choices.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules make it accessible to new players.
  • Great Components:** Acrylic token pieces and unique pill bottle packaging.
  • Portable:** Minimal table space and easy to carry.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for casual game nights and non-gamer friends.
  • Quick Playtime:** Games last about 10 minutes.

    Cons

  • Repetitive Gameplay:** Can become monotonous if dice rolls or player choices do not vary.
  • Rulebook Storage:** The rulebook does not fit conveniently in the pill bottle packaging.

    Personal Thoughts on The Potion

    The Potion is ideal for groups who enjoy light, fast-paced games that involve bluffing and deduction. It is a great filler game for casual game nights or as a quick diversion. While it may not offer deep strategic gameplay, it excels as a fun, portable game that can be played almost anywhere. It is particularly enjoyable with higher player counts, as it adds more layers of strategy and bluffing opportunities. For those looking for a simple yet engaging party game, The Potion is a solid choice.

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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