The Specialists (2021) Board Game

The Specialists is a board game released in 2021, designed by Christine Alcouffe and featuring artwork by Explor

It is a dice-based game with a theme inspired by movies, TV, and radio. The game incorporates various mechanisms such as contracts, dice rolling, open drafting, set collection, and variable set-up to provide an engaging gaming experience for 1 to 4 players.

Game Components of The Specialists

Dice pool

Specialist cards (drivers, acrobats, hackers, actors, safecrackers, and heavies)

Continent boards (South America, Europe, Asia, and Las Vegas)

Equipment cards

Money tokens (or poker chips for a more thematic feel)

Hideout cards

Mini-expansions for variable starting setups

How To Setup The Specialists

To set up the game, players start by preparing the continent boards and the specialist market. Each player selects a starting setup, which can be varied using the mini-expansions provided. The dice pool is placed within reach of all players, and the equipment cards are shuffled and made available. The hideout card, which offers a one-time bonus, is also distributed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Drafting: Players draft dice from the pool to hire specialists and trigger rewards.

Set Collection: Players collect specialist cards to form a crew capable of completing heists.

Heist Completion: Players must bring the right combination of specialists to successfully rob businesses on the continent boards.

Equipment Management: Players need to acquire and manage equipment to complete heists.

Objective: The player whose crew has stolen the most cash by completing heists wins the game.

Player Experience

Playing The Specialists is a breezy and fun experience, with games typically lasting between 30 to 45 minutes. The game involves strategic planning, as players need to draft the right specialists and equipment to execute heists. However, the game also has a significant element of luck, particularly in the card draw each round, which can sometimes hinder planning. The thematic elements, such as robbing banks and jewelry stores, add to the excitement and imagination of the game.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games are fast-paced and can be completed in under an hour.

Thematic Fun: The heist theme is engaging and adds a layer of excitement.

Variability: The mini-expansions and variable starting setups provide replay value.

Good Production Quality: The artwork and components, including the cardboard money chits, are well-made.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game’s outcome can be heavily influenced by the card draw, making it less skill-based.

Equipment Management: Managing equipment can be tricky, and the lack of specialized bonuses by card type adds complexity.

Thematic Limitations: The game does not fully leverage its thematic opportunities, which might disappoint some players.

Personal Thoughts on The Specialists

The Specialists is suitable for those who enjoy light-hearted, strategic games with a touch of luck. It’s a great fit for family game nights or casual gaming sessions where players are looking for fun and quick gameplay. However, experienced gamers seeking a more complex or thematic experience might find it somewhat lacking. Overall, it’s a solid game that provides decent fun, especially when found on sale.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.