Sabobatage (2021) Board Game

Sabobatage is a card game released in 2021 by self-published designer Eric Chen. The game is designed for 2-5 players and has a runtime of 10-30 minutes. With a recommended age of 7+, Sabobatage falls into the category of card games and features hand management and take-that mechanics.

Game Components of Sabobatage

110 Playing Cards

2 Menu Reference Cards

1 Instruction Manual

The game includes cards for teas, flavors, and toppings, as well as action cards to aid or sabotage other players.

How To Setup Sabobatage

To set up the game, each player starts with 5 cards in their hand. A starting player is chosen, such as the last person to drink boba. The game area is set up with each player having their own space to build their drink sets. There is no specific board; the game is played entirely with cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Be the first player to complete 5 drink sets (or 4 sets if playing with 5 players).

Draw Phase: Draw 2 cards on your turn, or 3 cards if you have 2 or more completed drink sets.

Action Phase: Play up to 3 cards per turn.

Card Types: Tea, Flavor, and Topping cards, which must be combined in specific ways to create valid drink sets.

Action Cards: Can be used to steal cards from opponents, remove cards from opponents’ play areas, or add more cards to your hand.

Active Drink Sets: Only 7 active drink sets can be in progress on your table.

Hand Limit: No more than 7 cards in your hand at the end of your turn.

Player Experience

Sabobatage is designed to be easy to learn and play, making it accessible to kids, teens, and adults. The game is light-hearted and strategic, with a playtime of approximately 15-30 minutes. Players enjoy the cute art and the simplicity of the game mechanics, although some may find the sabotage mechanics and limited drink combinations a bit repetitive or confusing. The game is great for family game nights, gatherings with friends, or quick plays between other games.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 7 and up.

Portable: Compact and easy to bring along.

Cute Art: Engaging and visually appealing.

Short Playtime: Ideal for filling small gaps between games or activities.

Cons

Limited Interactions: Some players may find the sabotage mechanics and limited drink combinations somewhat restrictive.

Menu Complexity: Players may need frequent references to the menu cards to ensure correct drink combinations.

Hand Management: Players must regularly discard cards to maintain the 7-card hand limit.

Personal Thoughts on Sabobatage

Sabobatage is a great game for those looking for a light, fun, and easy-to-learn card game. It is particularly suited for families, casual gamers, and anyone who enjoys boba culture. While it may not offer deep strategic complexity, it excels in providing a quick, enjoyable gaming experience that is perfect for introducing new players to card games or for a relaxed game night with friends and family.

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