Exacto (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Exacto is a children’s game released in 2022 by designer Reinhard Staupe and published by Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag. The game is designed for 2-6 players, with a quick runtime of 15 minutes and is suitable for ages 5 and up. The game revolves around pattern recognition, challenging players to match shapes and colors in a fun and engaging way.

Game Components of Exacto

15 boards, each with 8 colored circles on the front and 2 holes on the back

No other components are mentioned, emphasizing the game’s simplicity and portability.

How To Setup Exacto

To set up Exacto, shuffle the deck of boards and lay out two boards: one face-up showing the colored circles and the other face-down showing only the holes. This simple setup allows players to dive into the game quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Guessing Mechanic: The start player tries to guess which two colored circles on the face-up board are the exact distance from each other as the two holes on the face-down board.

Validation: The player places the holes across the chosen circles to check if the guess is correct.

Scoring: If correct, the player takes the face-down board and adds it to their score pile. If incorrect, the next player tries.

Objective: The player with the most boards in their score pile at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Exacto is a deceptively clever little puzzle that seems simple at first but proves to be more challenging than anticipated. The game is family-friendly, sturdy, and portable, making it ideal for quick challenges on the go. However, it is more engaging with two to three players, as higher player counts can lead to long wait times between turns.

Pros

Portable: The game comes in a small box and has thick, durable boards.

Quick Gameplay: Games are swift, and the puzzle nature makes it a good choice for brief challenges.

Replayability: Many combinations of boards ensure plenty of replayability.

Cons

Limited Gameplay: The game may not offer a lot of complexity or depth.

Higher Player Counts: Not ideal for five or six players due to potential long wait times.

Personal Thoughts on Exacto

Exacto is perfect for those who enjoy quick puzzles and simple, yet challenging, gameplay. It is a great addition to any family game collection or for travelers looking for a portable game. While it may not appeal to players seeking complex strategies, it offers a fun and engaging experience for those who appreciate light, clever puzzles.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.