Troika (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Troika is a board game designed by Jun Sasaki and published by Oink Games in in 2017. It is a set collection game that is suitable for 2-5 players, with the ideal number of players being 3-4. The game has a quick runtime of around 20 minutes, making it a great choice for a short gaming session. The game is recommended for players aged 7 and above and features artwork also done by Jun Sasaki.

Game Components of Troika

Tiles numbered 1-15, with seven 7 tiles

Scoring tokens

No complex boards or additional components

How To Setup Troika

Setup for Troika is straightforward. Shuffle the tiles and spread them out over the play area. If playing with two players, remove 10 tiles without looking at them. Each player takes one face-down tile, and one tile is flipped face-up to start the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Tile-laying

Set collection

Hidden information

Game Objective

Collect sets of three tiles with the same number (fuel) or three tiles in sequential order (gems)

Aim to declare “Troika!” by meeting the conditions: having five face-up tiles in your container, one complete fuel triad, and no “trash” tiles between your hand and container

Player Experience

Troika is a quick and light game that combines simplicity with a press-your-luck element. Players take turns flipping tiles face-up, taking face-up or face-down tiles, or returning tiles to the center. The game’s random nature and hidden information make it challenging and unpredictable, requiring strategic thinking to manage your tiles effectively.

Pros

Simple and easy to learn

Quick gameplay sessions (~10 minutes per round)

Encourages strategic thinking and planning

High replayability due to random tile distribution

Cons

Can be frustrating at higher player counts due to resource scarcity

Lack of control over the outcome at higher player counts

Some players may find the randomness too prevalent

Personal Thoughts on Troika

Troika is ideal for players who enjoy light, fast-paced games with a touch of randomness and strategic depth. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick game that can be played in short intervals, and it works well with 2-6 players, although 3-4 players seems to be the sweet spot for optimal experience. The game’s simplicity and hidden information mechanics make it a great choice for casual gamers and those who enjoy tile-laying and set collection games.

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