5 Towers is a card game designed by Kasper Lapp and published by Deep Print Games. It was released in 2023 and is suitable for 2 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 7 and above. The game features auction/bidding, open drafting, and set collection mechanisms, making it a strategic and engaging experience for players.
Game Components of 5 Towers
Deck: Consists of 96 cards, including five suits (tower types) with 16 cards each, numbered 0 through 15, and some extra cards for 4-5 player games.Player Boards: Each player has a personal area to build their towers.Illustrations: Vibrant illustrations by Annika Heller, filled with movie and game references.
How To Setup 5 Towers
To set up the game, choose a starting player. Each player begins with an empty tableau where they will build their towers. The deck is shuffled, and five cards are turned face up from the deck for all players to see. This marks the beginning of the first round.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Bidding Mechanics: Players bid on the number of cards they are willing to take from the display, with the highest bidder winning the cards. The winner must add these cards to their tableau.Card Placement Rules: Cards must be placed on towers of the same suit and in decreasing numerical order. Exceptions include numbers 8 and 9, which can be placed on top of any number, and 0, which tops off a tower and makes it immutable for the rest of the game.Tear Down Action: After placing cards, the winning bidder can perform a single ‘tear down’ action, removing the top card from any tower to make way for better cards.Game Objective: The goal is to build the tallest towers possible while managing the placement of cards efficiently. The game ends after cycling through the deck twice, and scores are tallied based on the cards in each tower.
Player Experience
Playing **5 Towers** involves a blend of strategic planning and tactical decision-making. Players must balance the need to build high-scoring towers with the risk of taking on cards that might limit future bids. The game encourages players to pay close attention to their opponents’ moves, as denying key cards to others can be a crucial strategy. The vibrant illustrations and meta references add a fun layer to the game, making it engaging and entertaining.
Pros
Strategic Depth: The game offers surprising depth, requiring players to plan ahead and manage their bids carefully.Engaging Illustrations: The artwork by Annika Heller adds a fun and meta layer to the game.Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 7 and above, making it a great family game.Quick Gameplay: Games typically last between 15-30 minutes, making it a quick and enjoyable experience.
Cons
Complex Rules: The rules, especially regarding card placement, can be a bit complex for younger or new players to grasp immediately.Luck Element: The draw of cards introduces a luck element, which can affect strategy and outcomes.Tear Down Penalty: The penalty for tearing down cards can be significant, adding a layer of risk management that not all players may enjoy.
Personal Thoughts on 5 Towers
**5 Towers** is an excellent choice for those who enjoy strategic card games with a social aspect. It is particularly suited for families and groups looking for a game that combines clever planning with fun, competitive bidding. The game’s short playtime and engaging illustrations make it an ideal addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with simpler rules or those who are averse to managing risk and penalties.
We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.
