Smugglers (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Smugglers is a real-time board game released in 2016 by Arclight Games. Designed by Klaus Teuber and Benjamin Teuber, the game is set in a world of smuggling where players take on the roles of smugglers trying to outwit each other and become the most successful in their illicit activities.

Game Components of Smugglers

Game Board: Features a molded plastic ramp with a starting platform and a fence with holes at the bottom.

Intelligent Modeling Putty: Odorless, non-greasy putty used to shape balls that roll down the ramp.

Plastic Gems: Red (sweet treats), yellow (sour treats), and purple (stink bombs).

Smuggle Tokens: Red and yellow tokens for scoring, and stink bomb tokens for strategic play.

Boss Token: Used to determine the active track for each round.

Die: Rolled to decide the track and potential re-rolls.

Privacy Screens: For players to hide their gems.

How To Setup Smugglers

To set up Smugglers, place the game board in front of the rolling track. Position the scale in the unoccupied corner of the boss’s office and insert the boss token into the slot behind the circle. Place the smuggle tokens, the hourglass, and the die beside the game board. Each player takes one smuggle token, alternating between sweet (red) and sour (yellow) treats. Players then place their tokens in front of their privacy screens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Skill Test: Players roll their putty balls down the ramp, aiming to get them through the fence holes.

Ranking: Players compare the size of their putty balls; the largest ones are placed in order, and the rest go to the junk room.

Inspection: Players guess the type of gem inside another player’s putty ball. Correct guesses reward matching smuggle tokens; incorrect guesses allow the inspected player to take tokens.

Game Objective: Collect either 7 smuggle tokens of one color or 5 tokens of each color to win.

Player Experience

Smugglers is a game filled with laughter and fun, particularly suitable for families. The tactile play of shaping putty balls and watching them roll down the ramp adds a unique and engaging element. While not a deep game, it involves some decision-making and bluffing, making it enjoyable for kids and adults alike.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: The use of modeling putty and a rolling ramp makes for a distinctive and entertaining experience.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and up, promoting interaction and fun among players.

Short Playtime: Games typically last between 30-45 minutes.

Bluffing and Strategy: Involves guessing and strategic play, adding a layer of complexity.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game is not particularly deep, relying more on the fun of the experience than complex strategies.

Putty Maintenance: The modeling putty can be difficult to clean and handle.

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck, especially in the rolling phase.

Personal Thoughts on Smugglers

Smugglers is ideal for families looking for a light-hearted, fun game that encourages interaction and laughter. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy tactile play and for adults seeking a casual, entertaining experience. While it may lack depth, it makes up for it with its unique mechanics and the joy it brings to the table. If you’re after a game that’s more about having fun than intense strategy, Smugglers is an excellent choice.

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