Flatline (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Flatline is a cooperative, real-time dice game that was released in in 2017. Designed by Sean Thurlow and published by Renegade Game Studios, Flatline puts players in the role of medical professionals working together to treat patients in a futuristic, sci-fi setting. With a runtime of 25-45 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and up, Flatline combines elements of dice rolling, push your luck, and real-time gameplay to create a unique and challenging experience.

Game Components of Flatline

Dice: Used for resolving emergencies and activating power stations.

Player Boards: Each player has a board to manage their actions.

Emergency Cards: Representing various medical emergencies.

Power Station Cards: Necessary for managing resources.

Timer: A critical component for the real-time element.

Crew Member Tokens: Representing the patients to be saved.

How To Setup Flatline

To set up Flatline, start by distributing the player boards and ensuring each player has a set of dice. Shuffle the emergency cards and draw a number based on the player count. Place the power station cards within reach of all players. Set the timer according to the game’s difficulty level. Each player chooses a role with unique abilities, and the crew member tokens are placed in the medical bay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Play: Players must act quickly within a set time limit.

Cooperative Play: Players work together to save the crew.

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice to resolve emergencies and activate power stations.

Resource Management: Players must manage their dice and power stations efficiently.

Objective: Save as many crew members as possible before the time runs out.

Player Experience

Playing Flatline is an intense and thrilling experience. The real-time element creates a sense of urgency, and the cooperative nature encourages teamwork and communication. Players must think quickly and make strategic decisions to maximize their chances of saving the crew. The game is highly interactive, and the timer adds an element of pressure, making each game session exhilarating.

Pros

High Replayability: Each game is different due to the random draw of emergency cards.

Engaging Real-Time Mechanics: Keeps players on the edge of their seats.

Strong Cooperative Elements: Encourages teamwork and strategy.

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand the rules, but challenging to master.

Cons

High Stress Level: The real-time element can be overwhelming for some players.

Limited Player Roles: Some players might find the roles too similar.

Dependence on Luck: Dice rolls can sometimes determine the outcome disproportionately.

Personal Thoughts on Flatline

Flatline is perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced, cooperative games with a high level of engagement. It is ideal for players who appreciate real-time challenges and are comfortable with the pressure of a ticking clock. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a relaxed gaming experience or those who prefer games with more complex strategies that do not rely heavily on luck.

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