Compounded (2013) Board Game

Compounded is a board game released in 2013 by designer Darrell Louder and published by Dice Hate Me Games. The game falls under the categories of Educational, Industry/Manufacturing, and Negotiation, and is suitable for players aged 13 and above. With a runtime of 30-90 minutes, Compounded can accommodate 2-5 players, with the best experience being for 4 players.

Game Components of Compounded

Lab Bench boards for each player

Test tubes represented on the Lab Bench

Compound cards depicting various chemical compounds

Element tokens (including CO2 for fire extinguishers)

Lab Fire cards

Fire Extinguisher tokens

Wild element tokens

Claim tokens for Lab Partners module

Oversized compound cards for Lab Partners module

Nobel token for two-player games

How To Setup Compounded

To set up Compounded, each player starts with a Lab Bench board, which includes four test tubes representing different phases of the game. The central Research Field is created by laying out a grid of compound cards. Players receive a starting set of element tokens, and the Lab Fire cards are shuffled into the compound deck. For two-player games, the Nobel token is introduced to facilitate trading and element placement.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Element Management: Players collect and assign element tokens to compound cards in the Research Field.

Social Interaction: Trading elements with other players or using the Nobel token in two-player games.

Luck: Lab Fire cards can randomly destroy compounds, adding an element of unpredictability.

Strategic Scoring: Players aim to complete compounds before they are destroyed or completed by others.

Fire Management: Using CO2 elements to activate Fire Extinguishers and save compounds from Lab Fires.

Objective: The game ends when a player reaches 50 points or maximizes three of the four test tubes on their Lab Bench. Points are scored from completed compounds, unused Fire Extinguishers, wild element tokens, and elements on unfinished compounds.

Player Experience

Compounded offers a dynamic and interactive experience, balancing strategic planning with social engagement and a bit of luck. Players must navigate the risks of Lab Fires while strategicly managing their elements and trading with others. The game is known for its light-hearted tension, where players can enjoy the excitement of occasional lab explosions without compromising the fun atmosphere.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines element management, social interaction, and luck for a varied experience.

Dynamic Gameplay: Lab Fires and trading add unpredictability and excitement.

Flexible: Includes modules like Lab Partners and Nobel for different player counts and experiences.

Casual yet Strategic: Easy to learn but with enough depth for strategy.

Cons

Luck Factor: Lab Fires can sometimes feel too random or punishing.

Expansion Compatibility: Some expansions (like The Geiger Expansion and Chemical Chaos) are not compatible with the Peer-Reviewed Edition.

Learning Curve: While the game is generally easy to learn, the rules can be interpreted differently, which might cause initial confusion.

Personal Thoughts on Compounded

Compounded is ideal for players who enjoy a mix of strategy and social interaction with a touch of luck. It’s a great game for those who appreciate chemistry or science themes without requiring deep knowledge in the field. The game is suitable for groups of 2-5 players and is particularly enjoyable with the Lab Partners module in play. It’s a solid choice for casual game nights, offering a fun and engaging experience that doesn’t require overly complex rules or setups.

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