Goons (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Goons is a board game released in 2021, designed by Anthony Cournoyer and published by an unnamed publisher. The game is set in a mafia-themed world where players take on the roles of crime bosses competing for control over different territories.

Game Components of Goons

Game Board

Crib Boards

Action Cubes

Energy Markers

Gear cards

Villain Scheme decks

Hustle Track boards

Diner, Dojo, Supermarket, and Nightclub boards

Victory Point tokens

Player tokens

How To Setup Goons

To set up the game, each player selects a Crib Board and places it within reach. The Game Board is positioned in the middle, and the various location boards (Diner, Dojo, Supermarket, Nightclub) are arranged around it. Each player receives a set of starting gear and energy markers. The Villain Scheme decks are shuffled and placed on designated spaces on the Game Board. Players also receive their starting Victory Points.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Drafting: Players draft Action Cubes from the Game Board and place them on Action Spaces on their Crib Board to perform various actions.

Resource Management: Players must manage their energy levels by visiting the Dojo.

Area Control: Players compete on Hustle Tracks for rewards.

Villain Schemes: Players commit to different Villain Schemes by placing Energy Markers, each with unique themes and mechanics.

Game Objective: The goal is to earn the most Victory Points by managing energy, acquiring gear, advancing on Hustle Tracks, and successfully completing Villain Schemes.

Player Experience

In **Goons**, players are immersed in a thrilling world of criminal careers, where every decision counts. Each turn, players combine two actions carefully, balancing energy levels, gear acquisition, and participation in Villain Schemes. The game is divided into three rounds, with each round offering new challenges and opportunities. The dynamic nature of the Villain Schemes and the competitive Hustle Tracks ensure a unique experience each time the game is played.

Pros

Deep Strategy: The game offers a rich strategic depth with multiple paths to victory.

High Replayability: Unique Villain Schemes and random setup elements ensure high replayability.

Thematic Engagement: The game’s theme is well-integrated into the mechanics, making the experience immersive.

Competitive Fun: The Hustle Tracks and Villain Schemes provide a competitive edge that keeps players engaged.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming due to the number of components.

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s mechanics and rules may take some time to grasp for new players.

Long Playtime: Games can be lengthy, especially as players become more strategic.

Personal Thoughts on Goons

**Goons** is ideal for fans of strategic board games who enjoy thematic experiences and complex decision-making. It is suited for players who appreciate resource management, action drafting, and competitive gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, light-hearted game due to its complexity and playtime. If you’re into immersive strategy and the allure of the criminal underworld, **Goons** is definitely worth a look.

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