Tesseract is a futuristic board game that was released in in 2023. Designed by Denis Freitas and featuring artwork by Smirk & Laughter Games, it falls into the categories of dice, puzzle, and science fiction. With a playtime of approximately 60 minutes, the game is suitable for players aged 14 and up. Tesseract offers a unique gameplay experience with its action points, cooperative elements, set collection mechanics, and variable player powers.
Game Components of Tesseract
Tesseract Cube: A 4x4x4 block of 64 dice.Lazy Susan: A rotating platform with 5 ball-bearings to hold the Tesseract cube.Circular Cardboard Pieces: Used to trigger bad news events when a column is completed.Player Labs: Each player has a lab board to manipulate dice.Research Cards: Used to gain benefits and advance in the game.Containment Board: Where players place contained dice.Character Cards: Each player has a unique role with special abilities.
How To Setup Tesseract
Setup involves several steps:
Assemble the Lazy Susan: Build the holder for the Tesseract cube.Place Base Plate: Choose the difficulty level and put it on the lazy susan.Assemble Tesseract: Drop dice into the dice setup sleeve on the platform board.Deal Containment Cards: Six random containment cards are dealt face-down near the containment board.Distribute Player Components: Each player receives a researcher/character card, a player lab board, and a level 2 research card.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Game Objective
Winning Condition: Fill the containment board with 24 dice, each in a specific set or run.Losing Conditions: Tesseract runs out of cubes or the breach tracker reaches 7 breaches.
Gameplay Mechanics
Action Phase: Players take three actions from a list of six:Remove: Take a die from the Tesseract to the lab.Adjust: Change a die’s value by 1 in the lab or primed area.Transfer: Move a die between players’ labs.Study: Discard a research card to draw a higher-level one.Contain: Place a die from a valid set or run on the containment board.Unique: Use the special ability listed on the character card.Threat Phase: Remove the lowest removable die from the Tesseract, placing it in the primed area. Check for breaches and bad news events.
Player Experience
Tesseract offers a highly cooperative and puzzle-oriented experience. Players must work together, using their unique abilities to manipulate dice and fill the containment board. The game features an engaging sci-fi theme and a visually appealing setup, with the Tesseract cube being a central and eye-catching component. Players need to carefully manage the primed area to avoid breaches and ensure the Tesseract does not deplete of cubes. The game scales well for different player counts and offers adjustable difficulty levels through different base plates.
Pros
Highly Cooperative: Encourages teamwork and strategy.Engaging Theme: Sci-fi setting with an intriguing storyline.Visual Appeal: The Tesseract cube and lazy susan create a stunning table presence.Adjustable Difficulty: Different base plates offer varying levels of challenge.Deep Gameplay: Requires strategic planning and adaptability.
Cons
Complex Rules: Some rules can be confusing at first, requiring reminders.Precarious Setup: The Tesseract cube can be unstable if not set up on a flat surface.Steep Learning Curve: Players need time to understand the game’s mechanics fully.
Personal Thoughts on Tesseract
Tesseract is ideal for fans of cooperative games, particularly those who enjoy puzzle-solving and strategic planning. It’s a great fit for players who appreciate sci-fi themes and are looking for a game that challenges them while offering a sense of accomplishment. The game’s ability to scale for solo players as well as groups of up to four makes it versatile and appealing to a wide range of gamers. If you enjoy games like Pandemic but are looking for something with a unique twist, Tesseract is definitely worth trying.
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