Gizmos (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Gizmos is a board game designed by Phil Walker-Harding and published by CMON Global Limited in in 2018. It is a card game set in a science fiction theme, where players take on the role of inventors competing to build the most efficient machine. The game has received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and strategic depth.

Game Components of Gizmos

Marble Dispenser: A mechanical device that randomly dispenses marbles.

Marbles: 52 marbles, 13 of each of four colors.

Player Dashboards: For organizing cards and tracking upgrades.

Gizmo Cards: 16 cards of each of three levels (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3).

Energy Storage Rings: For holding marbles.

VP Tokens: For tracking victory points.

How To Setup Gizmos

To set up Gizmos, start by placing the marble dispenser on the table and filling it with the 52 marbles. Each player receives a player dashboard and an energy storage ring. Shuffle the Gizmo cards and create a tableau with 4 Level 1 cards, 3 Level 2 cards, and 2 Level 3 cards. Each player’s dashboard is initialized with basic stats for marble limit, file limit, and research ability.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Drafting: Players select cards from the display or draw from decks.

Engine Building: Players build and upgrade their capabilities using Gizmo cards.

Resource Management: Managing marbles to build Gizmo cards.

Game Objective

The goal is to gain victory points by building the most impressive Gizmos.

The game ends when a player builds their 16th Gizmo card or their 4th Level 3 card.

Players score points for the Gizmo cards they have built and any VP tokens collected during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics

On each turn, a player can perform one of four basic actions:

File: Reserve a Gizmo card from the display.

Pick: Choose a marble from the visible energy row.

Build: Construct a Gizmo card by paying the required marbles.

Research: Draw cards from a deck and choose one to build or file.

Each action can trigger additional effects from the Gizmo cards in the corresponding column on the player’s dashboard.

Player Experience

Gizmos offers a dynamic and engaging experience with a mix of luck and strategy. The game starts slowly but builds up to complex chain reactions as players upgrade their capabilities. The marble dispenser adds a tactile and visually appealing element, while the Gizmo cards provide a sense of accomplishment and creativity. However, the game can become intimidating due to its depth and the potential for significant engine-building synergies.

Pros

Engaging Engine Building: Players build and upgrade their capabilities in creative ways.

Tactile Experience: The marble dispenser and physical components add a fun, interactive element.

High Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and random marble dispensing ensure varied gameplay.

Family-Friendly: Easy to teach, yet deep enough for experienced players.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: The random marble dispenser can sometimes hinder progress if desired colors do not appear.

Initial Intimidation: The game’s depth and potential for complex chain reactions can be overwhelming.

Mechanical Issues: Some players have reported issues with the marble dispenser getting stuck.

Personal Thoughts on Gizmos

Gizmos is an excellent choice for those who enjoy engine-building games and are looking for a game that balances simplicity with depth. It is particularly suited for families and casual gamers who appreciate the tactile experience and the excitement of building complex combinations. However, it may not be ideal for those seeking a very light or straightforward game, as it requires strategic thinking and resource management.

For groups that enjoy games like Splendor or Potion Explosion, Gizmos offers a unique blend of randomness and strategic planning that can be highly rewarding. Despite some minor mechanical issues with the marble dispenser, the game’s overall design and gameplay make it a standout in its genre.

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