LOOP: Life of Ordinary People (2021) Board Game

LOOP: Life of Ordinary People is a board game released in 2021 that focuses on educating players about everyday environmental issues. Designed by Cyril Lee and illustrated by Blackbody Lab, it aims to create awareness about the impact of human activities on the environment through gameplay.

Game Components of LOOP: Life of Ordinary People

30 Material cards

30 Activity cards

35 Favour cards

20 Career cards

30 Event cards

9 Credit Cards

30 Coin Tokens

6 Happiness Markers & Reputation Tokens

6 Player Mats

1 Quadro-fold Game Board

1 Rulebook (English)

4 Quickstart Guide cards

Future Expansion, Manga Story Campaign, & Challenge Scenarios included in the Full Collection.

How To Setup LOOP: Life of Ordinary People

To set up the game, players first need to arrange the quadro-fold game board. Each player selects a player mat and places it on the table. The material, activity, favour, career, and event cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Credit cards, coin tokens, happiness markers, and reputation tokens are also distributed according to the rules outlined in the rulebook. The quickstart guide cards can be used for a brief introduction to the game mechanics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective

Reach maximum Happiness while balancing a material life and preventing total resource depletion.

Gameplay Mechanics

Manage resources and cards to balance material life and happiness.

Use career cards to earn income and favour cards to gain advantages.

Navigate event cards that can either help or hinder progress.

Prevent overconsumption and resource depletion to maintain happiness and reputation.

Player Experience

Playing LOOP: Life of Ordinary People is an interactive and thought-provoking experience. The game challenges players to reflect on their consumerist behaviors and the impact of materialism on happiness and the environment. With its unique illustrations inspired by Hong Kong neon signs, the game transforms “boring” lessons into engaging and fun interactions. Players must make strategic decisions to balance work, consumption, and happiness, all while being mindful of the environmental and social implications of their choices.

Pros

Educational Value: Teaches about consumerism, materialistic lifestyles, and sustainable consumption.

Interactive Learning: Transforms serious discussions into fun and interactive experiences.

Unique Art Style: Illustrations created with a single continuous line, inspired by Hong Kong neon signs.

Motivates Behavioural Change: Encourages players to adopt more sustainable and happier lifestyles.

Cons

Complex Setup: Requires careful arrangement of various components and cards.

Deep Themes: May not be suitable for all ages due to its focus on consumerism and environmental impact.

No Refunds: Return and refund policies are strict, with only exchanges allowed for product defects within 7 days of purchase.

Personal Thoughts on LOOP: Life of Ordinary People

LOOP: Life of Ordinary People is ideal for players who are interested in educational and thought-provoking games. It is particularly suited for those who want to engage in discussions about consumerism, sustainability, and personal happiness. The game’s unique art style and interactive mechanics make it a compelling choice for both casual and serious gamers looking to learn and have fun simultaneously. However, it may not be the best fit for younger players or those seeking a purely entertaining experience without deeper thematic elements.

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