Sabotage (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sabotage is a board game released in 2019, designed by Ryan Goldsberry and published by Fowers Games. The game falls under the categories of bluffing, deduction, dice, and spies/secret agents. With a runtime of 60-90 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, Sabotage offers an exciting and engaging gameplay experience for 1-4 players.

Game Components of Sabotage

Player Boards: Each player has a board for programming actions.

Dice: Players use four dice each to determine which actions they can take.

Action Tiles: These tiles represent various actions such as movement, scanning, hacking, and attacks.

Character-Specific Actions: Each character has unique abilities and actions.

Screen: A screen separates the two teams to maintain hidden movement.

Game Board: A 4×4 grid divided into colored sectors and labeled rooms.

Tokens and Markers: For tracking progress, attacks, and hacks.

How To Setup Sabotage

To set up Sabotage, each player chooses their character and places their player board and dice on their side of the screen. The game board is set up in the middle, and the action tiles are distributed according to the characters’ abilities. Each player starts with a set of standard and character-specific actions. The villains and spies have different win conditions and starting equipment.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll Dice: One player rolls the dice, and all players set their dice to the same numbers.

Plan Actions: Players simultaneously program their actions using the dice to match action tile requirements.

Execute Actions: Players take turns executing their programmed actions in a predetermined order.

Clean Up: Reset boards and check for game end conditions.

Game Objective:

Spies: Hack eight doomsday machines to win.

Villains: Successfully attack the spies five times to win.

Player Experience

Sabotage is a game that blends hidden movement with action programming, creating a tense and strategic experience. Players must use their dice to program actions that will help them achieve their goals while keeping their movements hidden from the opposing team. The game is asymmetric, with spies focusing on hacking and villains on attacking. The use of a screen to block the opponent’s view adds a layer of bluffing and strategic planning, as players must guess their opponents’ actions based on limited information.

Pros

Unique Action System: Combines dice rolling with programmable actions.

Balanced Gameplay: Both sides have different but balanced win conditions.

Replay Value: Different characters and unlockable action tiles offer high replayability.

Art and Production: Great art from Goldsberry and good overall production quality.

Tactical Depth: Requires clever bluffing and strategic planning.

Cons

Action Tile Clarity: Action tiles lack clear explanations.

Box Size: The game box is oversized compared to the game’s components.

Limited Hidden Movement: Unlike other hidden movement games, Sabotage has a smaller, more confined map.

Personal Thoughts on Sabotage

Sabotage is perfect for fans of hidden movement and action programming games. It offers a unique blend of stealth and strategy, making it a great addition to any board game collection. The game’s asymmetric design and the need for clever bluffing make it engaging for players who enjoy tactical games. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a game with a large, complex map or extensive hidden movement mechanics.

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