| | | | | |

Mind Space (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Mind Space is a board game designed by Julianne Griepp and released in in 2023. The game is a mix of dice rolling, drawing, line drawing, pattern building, and simultaneous action selection, making it a unique and engaging experience for players. With a recommended age of 11 and up, Mind Space offers a challenging and fun gameplay for both kids and adults alike.

Game Components of Mind Space

  • Player Boards:** Each player has a brain board to fill with polyomino shapes.
  • Polyomino Cards:** Five pursuit cards are available each round, representing different activities.
  • Dice:** Five dice are rolled to assign colors to the polyomino shapes.
  • Markers:** Dry-erase markers for marking the brain board.
  • Goal Cards:** Public goal cards that players can achieve for additional points.
  • Color Criteria:** Different scoring rules for each color (Purple: Friendship, Orange: Hobbies, Pink: Romance, Blue: Self Improvement, Green: Finances).

    How To Setup Mind Space

    To set up Mind Space, each player receives a brain board and a set of dry-erase markers. The polyomino cards and goal cards are placed within reach of all players. The game begins with the roll of the five dice to determine which colors can be used for the polyomino shapes in the first round.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Roll-and-Write Mechanics:** Players roll dice to assign colors to polyomino shapes.
  • Polyomino Placement:** Players choose a polyomino shape and place it on their brain board according to the rolled colors.
  • Goal Achievement:** Players earn points by completing sections of the brain, achieving public goal cards, and meeting the organizational criteria of each color.
  • Scoring:** Points are awarded for completing sections of the brain, achieving goals, and meeting color criteria. The section with the most unfilled squares results in a deduction of 1 point for each unfilled square.

    Player Experience

    In Mind Space, players embark on a journey to achieve serenity by organizing their “brain” with various pursuits represented by polyomino shapes. The game is quick to learn and fast to teach, making it accessible to players aged 11 and above. With a playtime of just 30 minutes, it is an excellent option for those looking for a fun, strategic game that can be played in a short period. The game supports 1 to 5 players, making it versatile for different social settings.

    Pros

  • Quick and Easy to Learn:** Simple rules make it accessible to new players.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires strategic thinking to optimize polyomino placement.
  • Short Playtime:** Games last only 30 minutes.
  • Versatile Player Count:** Supports solo play and up to 5 players.
  • Thematic Scoring:** Each color has a thematic score related to the type of pursuit.

    Cons

  • Space Management:** Players need to manage their brain board carefully to avoid penalties for unfilled sections.
  • Luck of the Dice:** The roll of the dice can affect strategy, introducing an element of luck.
  • Limited Availability:** Some sources may be out of stock.

    Personal Thoughts on Mind Space

    Mind Space is ideal for those who enjoy roll-and-write games and are looking for a game that combines strategy with a unique theme. It is perfect for families, casual gamers, and anyone interested in a quick, engaging game that challenges spatial reasoning and strategic planning. The game’s focus on achieving balance and serenity through the organization of different life pursuits makes it both fun and thought-provoking.

    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. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *