Bound (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bound is a two-player abstract strategy game that was released in in 2023. Designed by Sam Murphy and featuring artwork by Turncoat Games, this game falls under the categories of Fantasy, Mythology, and Print & Play. With a playtime of 5–20 minutes, Bound is recommended for players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Bound

Game Board: Depicts a dodecahedron (a 12-sided shape).

Game Pieces: Each player has four stones.

Printable Sheet: The game can be printed on a single sheet of paper.

How To Setup Bound

To set up Bound, players need to print the game board and their respective stones. The board is a simple dodecahedron layout, and each player places their four stones on the board according to the starting positions indicated on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Each turn, a player moves one of their stones around the dodecahedron-shaped board.
– The objective is to encircle your opponent’s stones.

Game Objective:
– The game ends when one player successfully encircles all of their opponent’s stones, thereby winning the game.

Player Experience

Bound offers a simple yet strategic experience. Players need to think ahead and plan their moves carefully to outmaneuver their opponent. The game is quick to learn but challenging to master, making it appealing to fans of abstract strategy games.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Portable: Can be printed on a single sheet of paper, making it highly portable.

Affordable: Available for a minimal cost, currently £1 on Kickstarter.

Strategic Depth: Despite simplicity, it offers a good level of strategic thinking.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed only for two players.

Print-at-Home: Requires players to print the game components, which might not appeal to everyone.

Personal Thoughts on Bound

Bound is ideal for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a quick, portable, and affordable option. It is a great choice for casual gamers who want to challenge their strategic thinking without the complexity of more elaborate board games. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking games with a higher player count or more thematic depth.

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