Clinic (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Clinic is a board game released in 2014 by designer Alban Viard. It is a city building game that also incorporates elements of economics, medicine, territory building, and transportation. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, with a best experience at 4 players, and has a runtime of approximately 120 minutes. Players are tasked with managing their own medical clinics and competing to build the most successful healthcare empire.

Game Components of Clinic

3D clinic board

Clinic tiles (treatment hubs, patient rooms, supply rooms, parking spaces, parks, helipads)

Action tiles

Doctor, nurse, and orderly tokens

Patient cubes with different color codes indicating treatment needs

Time track

Conveyors (teleportation devices)

Tiny cars for each employee and patient

Artwork by Ian O’Toole

How To Setup Clinic

Setting up Clinic is dependent on the player count. The beginner setup provides a predefined 4×3 grid arrangement for clinic tiles, while the expert variant allows players to choose between a 3×3 or 4×3 clinic board and set up their clinic freely. Each setup includes preparing the central board, distributing action tiles, and initial placement of clinic tiles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Phase: Players take three turns each, selecting actions from three possible types – Build, Hire, and Admit Patients.

Build: Add modules to the clinic board, adhering to specific construction rules and adjacency requirements.

Hire: Recruit doctors, nurses, and orderlies, each with unique roles (e.g., doctors treat patients, nurses assist doctors, orderlies handle upkeep).

Admit Patients: Intake patients with different care needs indicated by color.

Movement Phase: Move staff and patients through the clinic, which costs time and can be mitigated by building conveyors.

Administration/Clean-up Phase: Untreated patients’ conditions worsen, doctors upgrade or regress in skill, and the board is reset for the next round.

Objective: The goal is to become the most popular clinic by earning points through treated patients, functional treatment rooms, and additional buildings, while minimizing time spent and untreated patients.

Player Experience

Clinic: Deluxe Edition offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. The game is known for its complex spatial puzzle, particularly in the three-dimensional building aspect, which requires precise planning. Despite the lengthy teaching time, the gameplay flows relatively smoothly once understood. Players must balance patient treatment, staff management, and resource allocation, making it a game with little downtime but significant strategic depth.

Pros

Engaging Spatial Puzzle: Building and managing the 3D clinic is a compelling challenge.

Rewarding Gameplay: Successfully treating patients and managing resources is highly satisfying.

Cynical yet Humorous Theme: The game offers a satirical look at the for-profit healthcare system.

High Replayability: With multiple setup options and varied patient needs, each game is unique.

Cons

Complex Setup and Rules: The game takes a significant amount of time to teach and learn.

High Learning Curve: The three-dimensional building rules and adjacency requirements can be overwhelming.

Potential for Analysis Paralysis: While not prevalent, poor planning can significantly impact gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Clinic

Clinic: Deluxe Edition is ideal for fans of heavy Euro games and those who enjoy complex puzzles and strategic management. It is particularly suited for experienced gamers who appreciate games with deep mechanics and a high level of replayability. However, it is not recommended for casual gamers due to its intricate rules and lengthy teaching time. If you’re looking for a game that challenges you and offers a unique blend of strategy and satire, Clinic: Deluxe Edition is a great choice.

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