Bot Factory (2023) Board Game

Bot Factory is a board game released in 2023 by designers Vital Lacerda and João Quintela Martins. It is published by Eagle-Gryphon Games and falls under the category of Industry/Manufacturing and Science Fiction. The game incorporates mechanics like Open Drafting, Tile Placement, Variable Phase Order, and Worker Placement to create a unique gameplay experience.

Game Components of Bot Factory

4 connected boards representing different factory functions: Assembly, Part Production, Project, and Finance

Robot parts (heads, torsos, legs) in four colors (red, yellow, blue, green)

Project blueprints

Speech Bubbles (the game’s currency)

Worker meeples

Executive action tokens

Contracts

Sandra the consultant meeple

How To Setup Bot Factory

To set up the game, players first arrange the four boards in a row, each representing a different zone of the factory. Each player starts with two robot parts and a single project blueprint. The Part Production board is initialized with a spinning wheel that distributes parts. Players place their worker meeples at the starting positions along the bottom of the boards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players move their single worker to available spaces along the bottom of the boards, from left to right, to perform actions.

Part Gathering: Players collect parts from the Part Production board and blueprints from the Project board.

Robot Assembly: Robots are built on the Assembly board by contributing parts. Only the player who completes a robot gets to claim it.

Market Manipulation: Players use Speech Bubbles to claim contracts and adjust robot values on the Finance board.

Executive Actions: Special actions that allow part trading and other strategic moves.

Objective: The game ends when a player builds five robots or when the supply of one robot type is depleted. Points are scored based on the market value of the robots and fulfilled contracts.

Player Experience

In **Bot Factory**, players navigate a dynamic factory floor, managing resources and timing to build and optimize their robot production. The game is relatively quick, lasting around 30-40 minutes for two players and up to 45 minutes for four players. The addition of Sandra, the consultant meeple, adds an element of unpredictability and strategic planning.

Pros

Colorful and Top-Notch Components: The game features high-quality components and a well-designed insert.

Gateway to Heavier Euro Games: It serves as a great introduction to the more complex Euro games designed by Vital Lacerda.

Engaging Gameplay: The game balances strategy with a moderate level of complexity, making it engaging for both new and experienced players.

Solo Mode: Offers a challenging and varied solo experience with ambitious production and contract goals.

Cons

Repetition: The game can feel repetitive after several plays, as players may develop routine strategies.

Limited Depth: Some players might find the game lacks the depth they are accustomed to in other Lacerda games.

Two-Player Experience: While enjoyable, the two-player game can feel less dynamic compared to games with more players.

Personal Thoughts on Bot Factory

**Bot Factory** is an excellent choice for those who enjoy strategic Euro games but are looking for something less complex and more accessible. It is a great entry point for new players wanting to explore the works of Vital Lacerda. The game’s balance of strategy and simplicity makes it appealing for both casual and experienced gamers. However, players seeking more depth and complexity might find it a bit light after multiple plays.

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