Cosmic Wimpout, originally released in 1975, is a classic dice game designed by the Boston Logical Society and W. W. Swilling. It has gained a cult following over the years for its simple yet addictive gameplay mechanics.
Game Components of Cosmic Wimpout
Dice: Five custom dice, known as “cubes,” each with unique face values: two swirls, three triangular glyphs, four lightning bolts, the number 5, six stars, and the number 10. The fifth cube, often in a different color, features a flaming sun icon.Score Board: A combination score board and rolling surface, often a piece of cloth or felt available in various colors and designs.Game Piece: Players supply their own game piece for score keeping.
How To Setup Cosmic Wimpout
Setting up Cosmic Wimpout is straightforward. Players start by placing the score board or rolling surface in the middle. Each player selects a game piece for score keeping. The game is ready to begin once all players are aware of the rules and any house rules or variations they wish to include.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Objective: The goal is to accumulate points by rolling the dice and reaching a winning total before other players.Rolling: Players roll all five dice and score points based on the faces rolled.Freight Train: Rolling five of a kind in a single roll, worth 100 times the face value of the cube.Supernova: Rolling five 10s results in an instant loss.Instant Win: Rolling five stars (sixes) is an instant win.Opening Roll: Players must score at least 35 points to get on the board.Flash and Clear: Scoring with a “flash” (triplet) requires clearing the remaining non-scoring dice without matching the flash faces.No Two Players on the Same Spot: If a player’s points would place them on a spot already occupied, they must continue rolling.Train Wreck: Rolling all five cubes and scoring no points results in losing all points gained in that round.
Player Experience
Cosmic Wimpout blends chance and strategy, offering a dynamic and engaging experience. Players experience great elation with successful rolls and crushing disappointment with “train wrecks.” The game’s simple yet nuanced rules allow for a clean, elegant gameplay experience where losing players still feel they have a chance at a comeback victory.
Pros
High Replayability: The game’s rules can be modified or added to, allowing for endless variations.Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages.Social Interaction: Encourages social engagement and strategic thinking.Customizable: Players can create their own house rules and variations.
Cons
Luck-Based: The high chance element can be frustrating for some players.Complexity in Variations: While the base rules are simple, the numerous variations can become confusing.Equipment: Requires the custom dice and score board, which may not be readily available.
Personal Thoughts on Cosmic Wimpout
Cosmic Wimpout is ideal for those who enjoy dice games and are looking for a fun, social experience. It’s suitable for players aged 5 and up, making it a great family game. The game’s ability to be customized with house rules adds to its appeal, making it a favorite among those who like to mix things up. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking games with less reliance on luck and more on strategy. Overall, Cosmic Wimpout is a classic game that combines fun, chance, and a bit of strategy, making it a timeless addition to any game collection.
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