Terrace (1992) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Terrace is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 1992. It is designed for 2-4 players, with the best experience being for 2 players. The game is known for its simple rules and quick gameplay, making it suitable for players aged 8 and above. Terrace was designed by Herbko International, Inc., Klee, Schmidt France, Siler/Siler Ventures, and Wonder Games.

Game Components of Terrace

Multi-leveled 8×8 or 6×6 board

Pieces of four different sizes with one piece per player marked with a “T”

Uniform colored squares arranged in L-shaped levels (“terraces”).

How To Setup Terrace

To set up the game, the board is placed in the middle, with each player’s pieces arranged at their respective starting corners. The “T” piece, akin to a king in chess, is placed at the lowest point of each player’s corner. The remaining pieces are arranged in descending order of size along the terraces.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players can move any number of squares on the same terrace and jump over their own pieces.

Ascending: Pieces can move up a terrace either straight or diagonally.

Descending: Pieces can move down a terrace only straight.

Capturing: Pieces can capture opponent’s pieces of equal or lesser size by moving diagonally down.

Objective: Win by moving the “T” piece to the opposite corner or by capturing the opponent’s “T” piece.

Courtesy: Say ‘Terrace’ when the opponent’s “T” piece is in jeopardy and ‘Terrace-Mate’ when it cannot escape.

Player Experience

Terrace offers a deep and strategic gameplay experience, requiring careful planning and tactical moves. The game’s unique board design and piece movements add a layer of complexity that appeals to fans of abstract strategy games. In 3 and 4 player games, the loss of a “T” piece results in the removal of all that player’s pieces, adding a dynamic element to multiplayer games.

Pros

Awards and Recognition: Won several awards, including Best New Abstract Strategy Game and Best New Mind Game.

Strategic Depth: Provides a challenging and engaging gameplay experience.

Unique Mechanics: The multi-leveled board and piece movements offer a fresh take on traditional strategy games.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game mechanics can be complex and may require multiple plays to fully understand.

Legal Issues: The original version faced legal problems related to the molds, leading to a revised version.

Personal Thoughts on Terrace

Terrace is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games who enjoy games like chess or checkers but are looking for something more complex and visually unique. It’s a great addition to any board game collection for those who appreciate strategic gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to strategy games due to its complexity.

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