Holiday Hijinks #6: The Groundhog Gambit (2022) Board Game

Holiday Hijinks #6: The Groundhog Gambit is a board game released in 2022 as part of the Holiday Hijinks series. Designed by Jonathan Chaffer and Karl Juhlke, this puzzle and deduction game challenges players to unravel a mystery surrounding the mischievous actions of a groundhog on Groundhog Day. With a runtime of 120 minutes and suitable for players aged 13 and above, this game offers an engaging and immersive experience for 1-4 players.

Game Components of Holiday Hijinks #6: The Groundhog Gambit

Puzzle cards

Manor map

Character tokens

Time tokens

Instruction booklet

How To Setup Holiday Hijinks #6: The Groundhog Gambit

To set up the game, players start by placing the manor map in the center of the playing area. Each player chooses a character token and places it at the starting location on the map. The puzzle cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Time tokens are distributed according to the instructions. The game begins with a scenario where players find themselves trapped in the professor’s manor on a cold February morning, dealing with the consequences of the professor’s time experiments.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Time Manipulation: Players manipulate time to solve puzzles and escape the manor.

Puzzle Solving: Solve a series of interconnected puzzles to progress.

Exploration: Explore the manor to find clues and necessary items.

Objective: The primary goal is to escape the manor by resolving the time anomalies caused by the professor’s experiments.

Player Experience

Playing The Groundhog Gambit is an immersive and intellectually stimulating experience. Players must work through complex puzzles that require careful planning and time management. The game’s challenging nature makes it rewarding when puzzles are solved, but it can also be frustrating if players get stuck.

Pros

Intellectually Challenging: Provides a satisfying puzzle-solving experience.

Immersive Theme: The time manipulation theme adds a unique twist to the game.

Portable: Available in both physical and print-and-play formats, making it easy to take on the go.

Cons

High Difficulty: Rated 3/3 for difficulty, which may deter casual players.

Potential for Frustration: Complex puzzles can lead to frustration if not solved quickly.

Personal Thoughts on Holiday Hijinks #6: The Groundhog Gambit

The Groundhog Gambit is ideal for experienced puzzle game enthusiasts and those who enjoy a good challenge. It is not recommended for casual players or those who prefer simpler puzzles. The game’s unique blend of time manipulation and puzzle-solving makes it a standout in the Holiday Hijinks series, but its high difficulty level means it is best suited for players looking for a serious mental workout.

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