Overbooked (2018) Board Game

Overbooked is a board game released in 2018 by Randomskill Games. Designed by Daryl Chow, the game falls under the categories of Aviation/Flight, Puzzle, and Transportation. With stunning artwork by Gyom, Roman Kucharski, and Sandy Solihin, Overbooked offers players a unique gaming experience focused on airport management and passenger satisfaction.

Game Components of Overbooked

Passenger cards

Airplane boards

Aircraft steps

Player helper cards

Service desks

Dinner vouchers

Departure and score boards

Passenger tiles

Control tower

Event cards (for advanced rules)

How To Setup Overbooked

To set up Overbooked, place the departure and score boards in the center of the table. Position the passenger tiles near the departure board. Shuffle the passenger cards and place the stack on one end of the departure board, with four cards turned face-up. Each player takes an airplane board, aircraft steps, and a player helper card in their color. Fit the service desk to the departure board and place six dinner vouchers on each service desk. Choose a start player, who receives the control tower.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players pick passenger cards to seat passengers on their airplane.

Puzzle Solving: Ensure the plane is as full as possible while meeting passenger requirements.

Objective: Maximize points by seating pairs of lovers, children surrounded by adults, and large groups of passengers together.
– Score points for:
– Pairs of love birds (5 points)
– Children surrounded by non-child passengers (3 points)
– Largest groups of specific passenger types (1 point, doubled if largest)
– Lose points for:
– Overbooked passengers on airplane stairs (2 points)
– Most overbooked passengers (2 points)
– Empty seats (1 point per seat)

Player Experience

Overbooked offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience, particularly for fans of puzzle games. The game requires strategic thinking to optimize passenger seating. The main interaction is through card drafting, which works well even with two players, though it may slow the game pace slightly. The game’s adorable art and good quality components enhance the overall experience.

Pros

Engaging Puzzle Mechanics: Players must strategize to fill their plane efficiently.

High Replayability: Different passenger card combinations ensure varied gameplay.

Attractive Artwork: The game features charming and fun character designs.

Works for Two Players: Despite slower card drafting, the game remains balanced for two players.

Cons

Control Tower Issue: The control tower component is not very functional and can be replaced.

Potential for Slower Gameplay with Two Players: The drafting line may move slower with fewer players.

Personal Thoughts on Overbooked

Overbooked is ideal for those who enjoy abstract strategy and puzzle games. It’s a great fit for players who like to think critically and optimize their moves. The game’s cute artwork and smooth gameplay make it appealing to a wide range of players, from casual to experienced gamers. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking high player interaction or fast-paced action.

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