Hurlyburly (2019) Board Game

Hurlyburly is a fast-paced action/dexterity board game designed by Andrew Higgins and published by La Mame Games in in 2019. The game features miniatures and is suitable for 2-4 players, with a runtime of 5-15 minutes. It is targeted towards players aged 10 and above and falls under the categories of Action/Dexterity, Fighting, and Miniatures, with a Take That gameplay mechanism.

Game Components of Hurlyburly

Tower cards for building structures

Catapults and ammunition for attacks

Flags for signaling

Upgrade cards for improving catapults

Volcanic rock tokens representing the new discovery

How To Setup Hurlyburly

To set up the game, players first distribute the tower cards, ensuring each player has a starting set. Each player also receives a catapult and initial ammunition. The game area is prepared by placing the volcanic rock tokens within reach. Players then take turns in a clockwise direction, starting with the player who sets up their tower first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dexterity Mechanics: Players build towers by stacking cards and use catapults to launch attacks.

Tower Building: Players construct towers to reach a minimum height of five levels.

Catapult Management: Players load, operate, and upgrade their catapults.

Attack Mechanic: Players fire rocks at other towers to knock them down or remove levels.

Objective: The first player to build a tower of at least five levels with a flag on top wins.

Player Experience

In Hurlyburly, players experience a unique blend of tower-building strategy and dexterity-based combat. The game encourages strategic planning in building and defending towers, as well as precision in using the catapults to sabotage opponents. The setting of rival scientists competing for discovery adds a fun and competitive element to the gameplay.

Pros

Engaging Dexterity Mechanics: The combination of tower-building and catapult usage makes for an exciting and challenging game.

Strategic Depth: Players need to balance tower construction, ammunition management, and attacks.

Competitive: The game fosters a competitive environment where players constantly try to outmaneuver each other.

Historical Setting: The game’s setting in Armenia in 1901 adds a unique and interesting context.

Cons

Component Quality: Some players may find the components, such as the cards and catapults, to be flimsy or prone to damage.

Repetitive Gameplay: Some rounds can feel repetitive, especially if players focus too much on attacking rather than building.

Luck Factor: The success of catapult attacks can sometimes depend on luck rather than skill.

Personal Thoughts on Hurlyburly

Hurlyburly is ideal for players who enjoy dexterity games and are looking for a fun, competitive experience. It is suitable for groups of two to four players and is particularly appealing to those who enjoy games with physical components and strategic elements. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking purely strategic games without luck, it offers a unique and entertaining experience that combines skill and chance. The game’s designers, Verbena and Rikki Tahta, known for games like Coup and The Chameleon, bring their expertise in crafting engaging and interactive gameplay to Hurlyburly.

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