Mental Blocks (2019) Board Game

Mental Blocks is a cooperative board game designed by Jonathan Gilmour and Micah Sawyer, and published by Pandasaurus Games in in 2019. It is a real-time puzzle game that challenges players to work together to build a specific shape using different blocks. The game has received recognition, including being a Mensa Select award winner.

Game Components of Mental Blocks

Blocks: Made of dense foam, these blocks are tactile and engaging.

Perspective Cards: Each player receives a card showing a side of the structure or its shape from one angle.

Restriction Cards: Hidden cards that players must keep secret.

Puzzle Cards: 60 puzzles of increasing difficulty.

Optional Traitor Role: Introduces an element of mistrust and challenge.

How To Setup Mental Blocks

To set up Mental Blocks, each player is given a perspective card and any relevant restriction cards, which must be kept hidden. The group then selects a puzzle card, which outlines the target 3D structure. Players must work together, discussing and sharing their limited information to attempt to build the correct structure.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Game: Players work together to solve puzzles.

Roles with Asymmetric Information: Each player has unique information about the structure.

Pattern Building: Players build a 3D structure using blocks.

Traitor Game: An optional traitor role can be included to introduce deception.

Elapsed Real Time Ending: Games are typically short, lasting 10-20 minutes.

Objective: The team must collaboratively build the correct 3D structure and color configuration based on their individual perspectives.

Player Experience

Playing Mental Blocks is an engaging and interactive experience. Players move around the table to view the structure from different angles, fostering lively discussions and teamwork. The game encourages methodical problem-solving and can lead to moments of triumph or humorous failures. The inclusion of a traitor adds an exciting layer of mistrust, making the game more dynamic.

Pros

Engaging Tactile Experience: The foam blocks make for a pleasing and interactive game.

Promotes Teamwork: Everyone has vital information, making each player’s contribution crucial.

Innovative Concept: Combines cooperative gameplay with asymmetric information and a traitor mechanic.

Fun Initial Experience: The first few rounds are often exciting and challenging.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game can become less engaging after initial plays, especially with the same group.

Could Be Simplified: Some players feel the game might be improved with additional mechanics or simplifications.

Not Perfectly Balanced: The game can be too easy or too hard depending on the group’s strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Mental Blocks

Mental Blocks is ideal for groups looking for a unique cooperative puzzle experience. It excels as a one-off team-building activity or for casual game nights. However, for players seeking long-term replayability, Mental Blocks might not fully meet their expectations. Despite its flaws, the game’s innovative concept and engaging mechanics make it a worthwhile try for those interested in cooperative puzzle-solving.

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