Funfair (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Funfair is a board game released in 2021 by designers Lina Cossette and David Forest. It falls under the categories of card game, city building, and economic games, with gameplay centered around contracts, end game bonuses, hand management, open drafting, and variable player powers. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 14+ and a runtime of 30-60 minutes.

Game Components of Funfair

150 high-quality playing cards featuring theme park attractions, upgrades, and staff

A two-sided board for varying card orientations

City Event cards

Award cards

Super Attraction cards

Coins and other tokens

How To Setup Funfair

To set up **Funfair**, players start by shuffling the deck of Park cards and placing six of them on the board to form the initial market. A random Award card is drawn and placed face up on the board, setting the bonus goal for the game. Each player receives a starting hand of Park cards and a Super Attraction card, which is a high-cost, high-reward ride. The game requires minimal setup, making it easy to get started quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective

Build the most valuable theme park over six rounds.

Gameplay Mechanics

Event Phase: Draw a City Event card, which benefits all players.

Park Phase: Players take turns performing one action:

Build: Spend coins to add an attraction or upgrade to their park.

Take: Add a card from the market to their hand.

Loose Change: Earn a coin for each attraction in their park.

Demolish: Rarely used to remove a ride from the park.

Guest Step: Earn coins based on the star value of attractions.

Cleanup Step: Prepare for the next round.

Super Attraction: Each player has a Showcase ride that becomes cheaper by $5 each round until built.

Upgrades and Staff: Cards can include features, guest services, qualities, and themes that enhance attractions and provide bonuses.

Player Experience

**Funfair** offers a streamlined and friendly gameplay experience, making it accessible to new players and suitable for family game nights. The game is relatively quick, lasting about 30 minutes, and features easy-to-learn rules. The artwork on the cards is thematic and engaging, although much of it is covered up as players build their parks. The lack of negative events and direct player interaction makes **Funfair** a peaceful and enjoyable experience.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup.

Streamlined Gameplay: Fast-paced with minimal complexity.

Fun Theme: Engaging theme park building mechanics.

Good Production Values: High-quality cards and thematic artwork.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of all ages.

Cons

Lower Replay Value: Simplified gameplay may reduce long-term engagement.

Covered Artwork: Much of the card artwork is hidden as upgrades are added.

Limited Player Interaction: Players primarily focus on their own park with minimal direct interaction.

Personal Thoughts on Funfair

**Funfair** is ideal for gamers looking for a light, fun, and thematic game that is easy to teach and play. It is a great gateway game for those new to board games or for families seeking a cooperative yet competitive experience. While it lacks the complexity and player interaction of **Unfair**, **Funfair** excels as a quick and enjoyable filler game that can be played in under an hour. If you’re a fan of theme park games or need a game that is easy to learn and play, **Funfair** is definitely worth checking out.

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