Beasts of Balance (2016) Board Game

Beasts of Balance is a unique tabletop game that was released in 2016 by Modern Games. Designed by George Buckenham and Alex Fleetwood, the game combines physical stacking and balancing with digital elements to create an engaging and challenging experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Beasts of Balance

Physical Artefacts: Various magical pieces to stack into towers.

Plinth: A weight base for stability.

Digital App: Available for iOS, Android, Fire TV, and Apple TV.

Battle Cards: Optional expansion for competitive mode.

Bestiary: A visual diary to track collected beasts.

Expansion Packs: Additional beasts, legendary artefacts, and more.

How To Setup Beasts of Balance

To set up the game, players need to connect the physical plinth to their device via the companion app. This involves placing the plinth on a flat surface and ensuring the device is paired correctly. Once connected, players can start stacking the physical artefacts onto the plinth, which are then reflected and interact within the digital world displayed on the screen.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Stacking: Players stack physical artefacts into precarious towers.

Digital Interaction: Each artefact interacts with a digital world on the connected device.

Co-op Mode: Players work together to build high-scoring towers and collect beasts.

Competitive Mode: Introduced in the “Battles” update, players compete against each other.

Objective: Fill the Bestiary by collecting over 150 beasts, while keeping the tower stable to avoid the world ending in a volcanic eruption.

Player Experience

Playing Beasts of Balance is an engaging and dynamic experience that combines hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and strategic thinking. Players take on the role of Divine Creators, building worlds and collecting beasts through their stacking skills. The game promotes collaboration and teamwork in co-op mode and healthy competition in battles mode. The constant evolution of the digital world keeps the game fresh and exciting.

Pros

Interactive and Engaging: Combines physical and digital elements seamlessly.

Promotes Skills: Enhances spatial reasoning, hand-eye coordination, and collaboration.

High Replayability: No two games are the same with over 150 beasts to collect.

Multi-Award Winning: Recognized with several awards, including the Parents Choice Gold Award.

Expansions Available: New beasts, battle cards, and legendary artefacts add variety.

Cons

Cleanup Issues: Some players have reported difficulties in cleaning the artefacts.

Cost: Some may find it pricey compared to other stacking games.

Technical Requirements: Requires a compatible device and stable connection.

Personal Thoughts on Beasts of Balance

Beasts of Balance is an excellent choice for families and groups looking for a game that bridges the gap between digital and physical play. It is suitable for ages 7 and up and offers a unique blend of strategy, dexterity, and creativity. The game is perfect for those who enjoy interactive and dynamic gameplay, and the various expansions ensure that the game remains challenging and exciting over time. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a purely traditional board game experience or those on a tight budget.

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