Tucano (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Tucano is a card game designed by Théo Rivière and published by Helvetiq in in 2021. It is a game suitable for 2 to 4 players, with a playing time of around 15 minutes. The game is targeted towards players aged 6 and above, making it a family-friendly option for game night.

Game Components of Tucano

70 cards featuring different fruits and other items

12 Toucan cards with special abilities

No starting hands of cards; players draw from columns on the table.

How To Setup Tucano

To set up Tucano, separate the Toucan cards from the main deck, shuffle the deck, and split it into two equal halves. Add the 12 Toucan cards into one half of the deck and shuffle them together, then place this half under the other half to form a draw pile. Lay out the three top cards from the deck face up on the table, with a fourth card half-covering the middle card. This setup is quick and takes less than a minute.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Set Collection: Players collect various fruits and other items to earn points.

Card Drafting: Players select one of the three face-up columns of cards and add them to their collection.

Special Abilities: Toucan cards allow players to steal, give, or flip (hide) cards.

Objective: Collect the most points by managing the fruits and special cards effectively.

Player Experience

Tucano is a family-friendly game suitable for ages 6+, with a playtime of around 15-20 minutes. The game is easy to learn but offers strategic depth through the various scoring mechanisms and special abilities of the Toucan cards. Players must balance the positive and negative points of the cards they collect, making tactical decisions to outscore their opponents. The game’s bright, vibrant card art and clear iconography make it accessible even to younger players.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple setup and rules make it accessible to all ages.

Strategic Depth: Various scoring mechanisms and Toucan card abilities add complexity.

Portability: Small-box design makes it easy to carry.

Visual Appeal: Bright, vibrant card art and clear iconography.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 6+ and enjoyable for both kids and adults.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May be too light for experienced gamers seeking deeper strategy.

Luck Factor: Card draws can significantly influence the game’s outcome.

Memory Element: The “flip” Toucan card requires players to remember their hidden cards, which can be challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Tucano

Tucano is an excellent choice for families or casual gamers looking for a light, fun, and easy-to-play set-collection game. It’s perfect for those who enjoy quick games with strategic elements but don’t want to invest too much time or complexity. The game’s design ensures it is both entertaining and educational, making it a great addition to any family’s game collection.

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