FUSE (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

FUSE is a real-time cooperative dice game designed by Kane Klenko and released in 2015 by Renegade Game Studios. In this fast-paced game, players work together to defuse bombs by matching dice to different tasks on the bomb cards.

Game Components of FUSE

25 custom dice in five different colors, though they are standard 6-sided dice with custom fonts.

54 bomb cards and 11 Fuse cards, which are illustrated to show the required dice combinations for defusal.

A velvety dice bag for drawing dice.

A timer to keep track of the 10-minute limit.

How To Setup FUSE

To set up FUSE, players start by shuffling the bomb deck with a number of cards dependent on the player count and chosen difficulty level. This can range from 18 bombs on the easiest setting to over 30 on the hardest. Six Fuse cards, which act as setback cards, are also added to the deck. Each player begins with two bomb cards, and five additional bomb cards are placed face up in the center of the table. The timer is then started, and the game begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Cooperative Play: Players work together under a 10-minute timer.

Dice Rolling and Allocation: Players draw dice from a bag equal to the number of players, roll them, and then decide who gets which die.

Bomb Defusal: Each bomb card requires a specific combination of dice to be defused.

Fuse Cards: These cards force players to discard specific dice from their bomb cards.

Objective: Defuse all bomb cards before the timer runs out to win the game.

Player Experience

FUSE is known for its intense and cooperative gameplay. The real-time element eliminates the possibility of an “alpha player” controlling the game, as decisions must be made quickly. Players must communicate effectively to prioritize which bombs to defuse first, making the game highly interactive and challenging. The game scales well across different player counts, though higher player counts can add to the chaos and excitement.

Pros

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

Quick Gameplay: Games last exactly 10 minutes.

High Tension: The real-time mechanism adds a lot of excitement and pressure.

Cooperative: Encourages teamwork and communication.

Good Solo Mode: The solo mode is well-regarded and challenging.

Cons

Some Cards Hard to Decipher: A few bomb cards can be confusing and require checking the rulebook.

Deck Randomness: The randomness of the deck can sometimes lead to frustrating setups.

Samey After Multiple Plays: The game can feel repetitive after several rounds.

Personal Thoughts on FUSE

FUSE is a great addition to any game library, especially for those who enjoy cooperative and real-time games. It is suitable for both experienced gamers and non-gamers due to its simple yet engaging mechanics. The game’s ability to balance simplicity with high pressure makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a thrilling, short gaming experience. However, it may not be ideal for those who prefer games with more varied and memorable moments. Overall, FUSE is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, tense, and cooperative game that challenges players to work together under pressure.

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